Mexican regional music artist Ernesto Barajas, the lead vocalist, director, and songwriter of Enigma Norteño, shared how the group started writing narcocorridos and how their fees for these custom songs for cartels have evolved.
In an interview with Univision's 'Siéntese Quién Pueda' in the U.S., Barajas reflected on the band's early days and how they began composing songs dedicated to prominent figures in Mexico's organized crime scene.
"It all started when we were at a wedding, and someone would say, 'He wants his own song too,'" recalled Barajas, who also produces for Enigma Norteño and writes many of their tracks. While he did not specify who attended those events, a look at the group's discography makes it clear whom their songs are about.
Enigma Norteño's music
Since breaking into the corrido scene in 2004, Enigma Norteño has been known for its corridos verdes and songs focused on drug trafficking stories.
The narcocorrido subgenre has long been controversial for its explicit content and alleged glorification of illegal activities. However, the band defends its music as a reflection of reality in many parts of Mexico.
Their songs cover themes like drug trafficking, clashes with law enforcement, and the lives of major cartel figures, often naming real people and places. For instance, their track 'El Chapo Guzmán' centers on the infamous Sinaloa Cartel leader.
Barajas has previously discussed commissioned narcocorridos, but he had never revealed pricing details. In a 2022 interview with The Independent en Español, he mentioned charging $25,000 per song. Now, that fee has more than doubled.
During his Univision interview, Barajas revealed that the cost has risen to $60,000.
Living with fear
Due to the nature of their lyrics, Enigma Norteño has faced censorship on various platforms and performance restrictions. Authorities have occasionally banned narcocorridos at public events, citing concerns that they promote crime and violence. The band has expressed frustration when fans request songs they can no longer perform due to these restrictions.
Additionally, they have received death threats warning them not to perform in certain regions of Mexico. Barajas, however, remains pragmatic: "We just cancel the show."
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