“Narcocorridos reflect a very visible part of Mexican reality”

Renowned Mexican musician Leonel García spoke out this Sunday about the growing importance of narcocorridos and corridos tumbados in the country’s music scene.

During an interview, the artist emphasized that these genres “reflect a very visible part of Mexican reality,” which, in his opinion, represents a call to attention regarding social issues that should not be ignored.

“Art is definitely telling us all the time what’s happening in society, where we have a red flag that we need to address,” said García, who took the opportunity to present his new album, titled El Show.

Regarding the controversy generated by these types of songs, often associated with the glorification of drug trafficking and violence—a criticism that has even been echoed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum—the musician was clear:

“The debate we’re having now goes further, moving toward (…) praising or being an ally of a social reality.”
Beyond his critical side, Leonel García is widely known for his talent as a composer. As part of the duo Sin Bandera, which he founded with Argentine Noel Schajris in 2000, he has been one of the pillars of Spanish-language pop balladry. His lyrical sensitivity has reached millions of listeners through voices such as Alejandro Fernández, Carlos Rivera, Gloria Trevi, and Natalia Lafourcade.