Mexican Musicians Tackle Romantic Themes to Avoid Controversy in Corridos
In a shift away from the traditional violent narratives of corridos, prominent Mexican musicians are turning to romantic themes to distance themselves from recent controversies and bans. Leading figures such as Gabito Ballesteros, 111xpanti, and Óscar Maydon are behind this trend, marked by their recent albums which largely sidestep the violent content of typical urban corridos.
Gabito Ballesteros’ Transition to Romantic Themes
Gabito Ballesteros, renowned for his impactful corridos, recently launched “They no longer take serenades,” an 18-track album focusing on love and heartbreak. This change follows his previous album, “111xpanti,” which minimized violent content, and points to a new direction for Ballesteros and his followers.
Expert Insights on the Trend
Luis Omar Montoya, a historian specializing in Mexican music, attributes this shift to the recent wave of prohibitions and sanctions against corridos. “Recording runs at this point would mean running an unnecessary risk,” Montoya observes.
The Impact of Recent Controversies
The controversy began when “The cheerful of the ravine” featured images of Nemesio Oseguera, a high-profile figure in the CJNG, during a concert. This sparked a series of bans and visa issues for various artists, prompting a rethink in their content.
What Lies Ahead for Corridos?
Despite the ongoing controversy, regional corrido interpreters still see value in the genre. “The corrido will not disappear; it will move depending on the contexts,” Montoya suggests. Natanael Cano’s upcoming album, “I no longer notice the differences,” further hints at the genre’s evolution.
Entering New Territory
Romantic themes are now being touted as a way to capture the essence of human emotion while avoiding the stormy controversy of traditional corridos. Artists like Óscar Maydon, who recently released “Rich or dead,” are also experimenting with trap and opulence but are primarily love songs.
