Junior H addresses corrido controversy with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum

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Mexican politicians have faced a difficult challenge: how to address the violent content often found in the popular music genre known as corridos tumbados, while also acknowledging its widespread appeal. They worry this type of music can encourage drug trafficking and other criminal activity.

Popular corrido singer Junior H appeared with President Claudia Sheinbaum at her regular press conference on Monday to announce México Canta. This new music competition, organized by Mexico’s Ministry of Culture, is open to artists from both Mexico and the United States.

I was really moved by what the 25-year-old said. He was a big supporter of this music contest – it’s only the second time they’ve done it, but it’s all about showcasing the incredible musical talent coming out of Mexico and helping to change the way the country is perceived, moving beyond the violence you often hear about.

He also thought about how he became famous, mentioning hit songs like “El Azul” with Peso Pluma from 2023, which many believe is about a drug lord named Juan Jose Esparragoza Moreno. He also discussed his 2022 song “El Hijo Mayor,” a blend of banda music, that some people think is about the son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

Junior H, also known as Antonio Herrera Pérez, explained that some of his earlier songs didn’t align with the positive themes in his current music. He realized that as an artist with a large audience, he has a responsibility to use his music thoughtfully, as it’s more than just self-expression.

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Junior H, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico and now living in Utah, talked about his growth as both an artist and a person. He recognizes that with over 30 million monthly listeners on Spotify, he influences how his fans imagine their own lives.

Junior H. explained that building a peaceful society isn’t about ignoring problems, but about finding fresh ways to discuss them. He encouraged young people to get involved, trust in their abilities, and always pursue their goals.

Okay, so I was at South by Southwest a couple of months ago – March 14th, to be exact – and Junior H did something pretty powerful during his Billboard showcase. He sang “El Azul,” but it wasn’t just a performance. He actually spoke out against censorship, telling the crowd it felt like it was ‘us against the government,’ or the government against us. It was a really direct statement and definitely got people talking.

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Currently, ten of Mexico’s thirty-two states have either banned or restricted the playing of “corridos” – traditional ballads – in public. Officials state these songs often glorify criminal organizations. Punishments for performing them can vary from fines to jail time.

According to Billboard, Junior H received a fine of 400,000 pesos—over $23,000—for performing his song “El Azul” at a festival in Zapopan, Jalisco. The city’s mayor, Juan José Frangie Saade, reportedly prohibited Junior H from performing in Zapopan until the mayor’s term ends in September 2027.

The singer is currently scheduled to perform at the Baja Beach Fest in Rosarito, Baja California, on August 8th.

Unlike her predecessor, who strongly disliked “corridos tumbados” music, President Sheinbaum seems open to its growing popularity. Because of this, this year’s México Canta festival will highlight regional Mexican music artists.

During a press conference, Sheinbaum explained that they aren’t banning any regional music. She believes censorship isn’t the answer and that simply prohibiting songs won’t fix the underlying issues. Instead, she emphasized the importance of encouraging music that promotes peace, which is the main goal of their contest.

Applications are now being accepted for México Canta until June 10th. The semifinals will be held on August 23rd at the Million Dollar Theatre in Los Angeles and on August 30th at the Angela Peralta Theater in Mazatlán. The final competition will take place on September 13th.

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2026-05-12 03:02