Background on Ernesto Barajas and Enigma Norteño
Ernesto Barajas, a member of the Mexican regional music group Enigma Norteño, was tragically killed in a hail of bullets on Tuesday in Zapopan, Jalisco. The 40-year-old singer was gunned down inside a parking lot by two assailants on a motorcycle, according to local police.
Enigma Norteño is a popular group with over four million monthly listeners on Spotify. Their repertoire includes narcocorridos, a subgenre of traditional Mexican music that often tells stories about drug cartels and their leaders. Some of their well-known songs pay tribute to notorious figures in the Mexican drug trade, such as:
- “¿Van a querer más?” dedicated to Nemesio Oseguera, leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations.
- “Los Chapitos,” honoring the sons of Joaquín “Chapo” Guzmán, who is currently serving time in a US prison.
Threats and Violence Against Narcocorrido Artists
Barajas had reportedly received threats from the CJNG in July 2023, as per Mexican media reports. The singer faced these threats when he was set to perform at the Baja California Fair. This incident highlights the ongoing danger faced by narcocorrido artists, who often find themselves targeted by the very criminal organizations they sing about.
Recent Violence Against Musicians
The tragic killing of Ernesto Barajas is not an isolated incident. In late May, five members of the group Fugitivo were found murdered, highlighting the escalating violence against musicians in Mexico. This growing trend has raised concerns about the safety of artists who dare to explore controversial themes in their music.
Investigation and Response
Following Barajas’ murder, the Jalisco State Attorney’s Office immediately initiated an investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding his death. Authorities are working diligently to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the safety of other artists facing similar threats.
Controversy Surrounding Narcocorridos
Narcocorridos have sparked controversy in Mexico, with some viewing them as glorifying criminal activity. In March 2023, Los Alegres del Barranco faced accusations of apologizing for crime after performing a song that praised Oseguera. Despite the controversy, narcocorridos remain a significant part of Mexican music culture.
Impact on the Community
The killing of Ernesto Barajas has left the local community and music lovers in shock. His death underscores the risks faced by artists who choose to address sensitive topics in their work. As authorities continue their investigation, the music world mourns the loss of another talented voice silenced by violence.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Ernesto Barajas? Ernesto Barajas was a singer and member of the Mexican regional music group Enigma Norteño.
- What type of music did Enigma Norteño perform? Enigma Norteño was known for their narcocorridos, a subgenre of traditional Mexican music that often tells stories about drug cartels and their leaders.
- Why were there threats against Ernesto Barajas? Barajas reportedly received threats from the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) in July 2023 due to his planned performance at the Baja California Fair.
- What is a narcocorrido? A narcocorrido is a type of traditional Mexican music that tells stories about drug cartels and their leaders.
- What recent events highlight the danger faced by musicians in Mexico? In late May 2023, five members of the group Fugitivo were found murdered, and now the killing of Ernesto Barajas underscores the escalating violence against artists addressing controversial themes in their work.
