Los Alegres del Barranco Defend Corridos: 'Seeing a Narco Series Doesn't Mean You'll Commit Crimes'

The Mexican regional music group Los Alegres del Barranco has defended the genre of narcocorridos, asserting that they are merely artistic expressions and should not be equated with criminal incitement. This defense comes after the band faced controversy for projecting images of organized crime leaders during their concerts.

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If you watch a movie where there is violence, or a series, like the narco series, you enjoy it at home and continue with your normal life. It's not because it's a narco series that you're going to commit a crime the next day.

José Pavel Moreno Serrano, the band's vocalist, stated that corridos, like other forms of entertainment such as violent films or "narco series," should be enjoyed as fiction without leading viewers to commit crimes. He argued that the responsibility lies with individuals to differentiate between entertainment and reality, and that music should not be demonized.

"Only someone with a serious problem could confuse a work of entertainment with an invitation to act that way," Moreno Serrano said. He added that attention should be focused on such individuals rather than on the music itself.

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Only someone with a serious problem could confuse a work of entertainment with an invitation to act that way. That's where attention should be paid.

The band also commented on "Mexico Canta," an initiative promoting songs about peace, love, and cultural identity. While acknowledging Junior H's participation and expressing openness to projects with positive messages, Los Alegres del Barranco affirmed their commitment to their musical style, which has garnered them a following over two decades. They indicated a willingness to explore more progressive corridos without abandoning their core essence.

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We like positivism, that everyone is well because we are parents, we are brothers, we are sons of families. We respect our friend Junior H, who has already joined.

Los Alegres del Barranco are scheduled to perform on August 7 at the Arena CDMX, where they will play hits such as "El del palenque," "Soy cuatro letras," and "El costal lleno de piedras."

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I can't tell you we're going to change our line, because we have followers who like what we've done for over 20 years. We will try to release more progressive corridos, of course, but without losing our essence or stopping doing what characterizes us.