Mexico offers protection to famed singer after drug cartel death threats

Authorities in Mexico have stepped in to offer state protection to renowned regional Mexican singer Natanael Cano and other artists following a public threat from a drug cartel in northern Mexico. The threat, which was shared on social media, targeted Cano and several other artists in the Sonora region, accusing them of supporting a rival gang known as “Salazares.”

The threatening message, believed to be from “Jalisco Matasalas,” a group within the Sinaloa Cartel, warned the singers to stop their alleged financial support of the rival gang or face consequences. The Sonoran Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the matter, as the safety of the artists is a top priority.

In response to the threat, authorities have offered state protection to Cano and the other artists to prevent any potential aggression. The nature of the protection has not been disclosed, but it is aimed at ensuring the safety of the individuals targeted by the cartel.

Cano, a popular corridos singer, is known for his contributions to the traditional Mexican genre that often reflects the realities of narco violence in the region. Corridos and other Mexican regional music styles have seen a resurgence in popularity, with young artists like Cano and Peso Pluma blending classic styles with modern genres like trap music.

Despite the popularity of these artists, they have faced criticism from authorities and threats from drug cartels in the past. In 2023, Peso Pluma was forced to cancel a show in Tijuana after receiving threats from a rival faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. The local authorities in northern states have also taken measures to ban musicians from performing narcocorridos to protect the youth from exposure to violence.

The recent threat against Cano comes amid a surge in violence in Sinaloa and other northern Mexican states, fueled by the power struggles within the Sinaloa Cartel. The capture of narco boss Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada has led to increased tensions and conflicts between rival factions, including the group that issued the threat against Cano.

The protection offered by Mexican authorities underscores the serious nature of the threat faced by artists like Cano and the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime in the region. It is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of these artists as they continue to navigate the complex landscape of Mexican music and its connections to narco culture.