Los Alegres del Barranco Under Scrutiny After Alleged CJNG Tribute
The regional Mexican group Los Alegres del Barranco finds itself embroiled in controversy after a video surfaced online showing images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho,' leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), being projected during their recent performance at the Auditorio Telmex in Jalisco. According to Javier Chávez M. (2024) of Grupo Milenio, this incident has ignited a heated debate regarding the relationship between narcocorridos and organized crime.
What are Narcocorridos?
Narcocorridos, a subgenre of regional Mexican music, often narrate stories related to drug trafficking, the lives of capos, and power struggles within organized crime. While some fans argue that it's merely a musical expression reflecting real-life narratives, others criticize it for glorifying individuals linked to criminal activities. The controversy surrounding Los Alegres del Barranco is not an isolated incident, as other artists in the genre have faced similar scrutiny in the past.
Who are Los Alegres del Barranco?
Los Alegres del Barranco, originating from San José del Barranco in Badiraguato, Sinaloa, have established themselves as a prominent name in the narcocorrido scene. The group consists of Armando Moreno Álvarez (lead vocals), José Pavel Moreno (accordion and second voice), José Carlos Moreno (bass), and Cristóbal Reyes (drums). They have built a strong following, with nearly a million subscribers on their official YouTube channel and over 680,000 followers on Instagram (@losalegresdelbarranco1). Their online store offers merchandise like caps, mugs and t-shirts, allowing fans to show their support (Javier Chávez M, 2024).
The Incident at Auditorio Telmex
During their concert at the Auditorio Telmex, owned by the Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Los Alegres del Barranco performed a corrido dedicated to 'El Mencho,' complete with lyrics referencing the CJNG leader and images projected on stage. Javier Chávez M (2024) quotes the lyrics as: «Soy el dueño del palenque, cuatro letras van al frente, soy del mero Michoacán, donde es la Tierra Caliente, soy el señor de los gallos, el del cártel jalisciense».
Videos of the performance quickly spread on social media, sparking outrage and prompting Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro to express his disapproval. As Javier Chávez M. (2024) notes, Lemus Navarro stated on his social media, «Lo visto en el concierto de este fin de semana va en la dirección opuesta. Todos tenemos que hacer lo que nos toca para dejar de normalizar la violencia. No debe suceder en éste ni en ningún otro lugar de nuestro estado».
The Auditorio Telmex (2024) issued a statement acknowledging the controversy and promising to review event contracts to prevent similar incidents in the future. While they maintain that they are not responsible for the content of rented performances, they recognize that the corrido's content could be construed as promoting crime.
Popular Songs and Past Controversies
Los Alegres del Barranco are known for songs like "El 701," which tells the story of an influential figure in drug trafficking; "La Gente del Chapo," a tribute to Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán's associates; "El Teniente Fantasma," about a mysterious lieutenant; and "El Secretario," highlighting a key figure in the drug trade structure.
This incident isn't unique; other artists like Los Tucanes de Tijuana and Gerardo Ortiz have faced similar controversies, leading to censorship and streaming restrictions in some areas (Javier Chávez M, 2024). The current backlash against Los Alegres del Barranco raises questions about freedom of expression versus the potential glorification of criminal activity within the narcocorrido genre.
Looking Ahead
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen what consequences Los Alegres del Barranco will face. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between music, culture, and the ongoing struggle against organized crime in Mexico. Grupo Milenio (2024) will continue to provide updates as this story develops.
