Ernesto Barajas dead at 38: Enigma Norteño star who praised drug lords in songs gunned down in Mexico

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In a parking lot on Tuesday, Mexican musician Ernesto Barajas, known for his controversial songs celebrating drug lords, tragically lost his life.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but share the heart-wrenching news: Héctor Barajas, the enigmatic voice behind Enigma Norteño, was tragically taken from us at the prime of his life in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, around 1pm local time, according to El Universal. The bullet-riddled events have left me in a state of profound sorrow and disbelief.

Law enforcement officials reported that two individuals, arriving on a motorcycle, forcefully entered the parking lot where Barajas is located, and started shooting. Tragically, another person lost their life in this incident, and a female victim sustained a leg injury.

On Tuesday, police reported that two men arrived on a motorcycle in a parking lot, where they fired shots at Barajas. Tragically, Barajas and another individual succumbed to their injuries immediately, while a woman sustained a wound to her leg.

2023 saw reports suggesting that Barajas might have been targeted by organized crime, as the incident could potentially be a resolution of ongoing disputes or feuds.

The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the killing.

The music group, Enigma Norteño, was well-known for their performances of ‘narcocorridos’ – a controversial folk music style often criticized for glorifying the activities of Mexican drug traffickers.

Narcocorridos are frequently produced and funded by individuals or organizations linked with the illegal drug trade, such as drug cartels and their associates.

The team, boasting over four million monthly listeners, has consistently maintained that their music reflects Mexican society, not endorsing violence.

The song “Los Chapitos” belongs to Enigma Norteño, as a tribute to the sons of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, the co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, currently incarcerated for life in a maximum security prison in Colorado.

Additionally, they are well-known for such tunes as “El Mayito Gordo,” “Los Lujos del R,” “Quemándose un Gallito,” “El Chavo Félix,” and “El Ondeado.

In July 2023, according to El Financiero, Barajas called off his performance in Rosarito, Baja California following an alleged threat from the CJNG (Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación) that was delivered via a ‘narcomanta’ or cloth banner. This can be rephrased as: In July 2023, Barajas announced he would not perform in Rosarito, Baja California due to a threatening message from CJNG conveyed on a large cloth banner.

The management company Tanto Líder paid a touching tribute to their star, sharing a poignant picture of him posed with wings resembling those of an angel.

I mournfully echo the heartfelt message: “Farewell, Ernesto Barajas. As a devoted admirer, our Tanto Líder family will forever cherish your legacy and remember you as an extraordinary artist and remarkable human being.” May Heaven’s grace envelop you in its tender embrace.

In certain Mexican regions, the band Enigma Norteño has faced restrictions due to a ban on live performances of narcocorridos, as authorities worry that these songs might celebrate criminal activities and foster a violent societal climate.

During a May interview on Telemundo, Barajas countered these claims, stating: “From my perspective, a song, specifically a corrido, is not associated with the current events in Mexico. Approximately five to six years ago, there was also a surge of ‘zero corridos’.

In the past, we performed in Chihuahua, a state known for its strict regulations. I recall that we prepared a list of songs, and instead of us singing, the crowd was encouraged to do so. Our role was limited to playing instruments such as the accordion, while others handled the vocals. Essentially, the audience took on the lead in our performance.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d like to share a fascinating tidbit about music. On August 14, just five days before an unfortunate event, the band I’ve been closely following, hinted at their upcoming single. This intriguing collaboration featured singer-producer Edgardo Nuñez and the beloved character, Hello Kitty. It was quite a buzzworthy teaser that left music lovers, like myself, eagerly anticipating the release.

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2025-08-21 00:33