Maya Georgi
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Junior H speaks during the daily morning briefing at Palacio Nacional in Mexico City, Mexico. Karla Guerrero/ObturadorMX/Getty Images Junior H is is changing his tunes when it comes to the controversy surrounding corridos tumbados, the Mexican genre that the Mexican government claims glorifies crime and violence. On Monday, the Mexican singer, known for several narcocorrido hits, spoke at a press conference alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum to help promote the second annual national singing competition México Canta.
“In my early days, some of the stories I told in my songs did not contribute to the positive message reflected in my current compositions because as I matured, I came to understand that music, beyond being merely a form of expression, also entails a significant responsibility when millions of people around the world listen to you,” the musician, whose real name is Antonio Herrera Pérez, said. He continued: “When you become a role model for so many, you realize that what you say truly influences how they feel, how they dream, and, most importantly, how they build their future.”
But just because Junior H isn’t singing corridos tumbados anymore, he’s still adamant about sharing authentic stories about Mexico. “A culture of peace does not mean we cease to tell the story of our reality. It means finding new ways to express it,” he said. “I invite all the young people watching this to get involved, to believe in your own talent, and to never stop chasing your dreams because Mexico needs new voices and new songs that represent the very best of our generation.”
México Canta is a singing competition that is part of a government initiative to promote peace, combat drug addiction, and denounce violence. In her own speech during the news conference, Sheinbaum emphasized her goal to “promote music featuring distinct narratives.” “We are not censoring [regional music], because I don’t believe in censorship. I don’t think prohibiting music or its contents will solve anything. More than anything, we need to promote non-violent music. That’s the objective of this contest,” she added.
Sheinbaum’s comments are in sharp contrast with previous Mexican administrations like that of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who sought to ban public performances of musicians who sing corridos tumbados. Currently, 10 Mexican states have bans or limitations in place, and impose fines or prison time for offenders.
