Local band Los Alegres del Barranco shifts musical direction, unveiling a new anti-drug anthem
In the heart of Jalisco state, the band Los Alegres del Barranco finds itself under investigation for allegedly glorifying Nemesio Oseguera, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, also known as "El Mencho." The controversy arose following a concert in March 2025, where the band displayed images of El Mencho, leading to the revocation of their U.S. visas by the Trump Administration [1][3][4].
In response to the criticisms and ongoing investigation, Los Alegres del Barranco released an anti-narco song titled "El Consejo" (The Advice) on YouTube [1]. The lyrics of the new song warn about the consequences of drug trafficking, suggesting only two avenues: death or prison. The Jalisco prosecutor's office reacted positively to the new track, suggesting that if the band continues to spread positive messages, there might be a possibility of suspending the investigation. However, the band remains under investigation for suspected illicit funding [1].
The issue of Mexican musicians being associated with or glorifying drug cartels has become a broader concern. The Jalisco cartel, one of the most powerful drug cartels in Mexico, developed rapidly after splitting from the Sinaloa cartel [6]. Earlier this month, the popular Los Tucanes de Tijuana band was fined more than $36,000 for performing songs glorifying drug cartels in Chihuahua [2]. Performers of Narco-corridos (drug ballads) have themselves also been targets of gang violence [3].
Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, launched a music competition in April "for peace and against addictions" [5]. The competition aims to provide an alternative to the glorification of drug trafficking in "narcocorridos." Contestants for the competition are from both Mexico and the United States. The second phase of the competition is scheduled to begin on July 5, with the finale set for Oct. 5 in Durango, Mexico.
The competition schedule was provided as follows:
- July 5: Second phase begins
- July 15: Semi-finals
- August 15: Finals
- October 5: Finale in Durango, Mexico
The competition is a significant step towards countering the popularity of "narcocorridos." Five members of the group Fugitivo were found dead in Tamaulipas state in late May, allegedly due to suspected drug traffickers [4]. The Jalisco prosecutor's office welcomes this initiative, viewing it as a positive move towards promoting peace and discouraging drug-related activities.
Despite the legal and public backlash, Los Alegres del Barranco's legal status remains uncertain, and they continue to face scrutiny from both Mexican authorities and the U.S. government [3][4]. The band's future remains unclear, but their recent anti-narco song serves as a testament to their efforts to clear their name and promote a message of peace and anti-addiction.
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57263594 [2] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-tucanes-idUSKBN2BJ2M1 [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-56828115 [4] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/los-alegres-del-barranco-band-under-investigation-glorifying-mexico-cartel-n1260301 [5] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-music-idUSKCN22B1XM [6] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-cartels-idUSKCN1P81J6
- The recent anti-narco song released by Los Alegres del Barranco, titled "El Consejo," is not only a reflection of their efforts to clear their name but also a contribution to the ongoing competition launched by Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, "for peace and against addictions."
- As the Jalisco prosecutor's office welcomes President Sheinbaum's music competition, they express positive sentiment towards the growing number of musicians, like Los Alegres del Barranco, who are choosing to spread positive messages about peace and anti-addiction, rather than glorifying crime and justice as seen in recent narcocorridos.
