Mexican authorities offered protection to Natanael Cano this week after drug cartels threatened to kill him. However, the regional Mexican music artist, often dubbed the daredevil of the genre, didn't flinch. Instead, he responded with a sarcastic video.
The threat was deemed credible enough for Sonora State Prosecutor Gustavo Salas to intervene. It surfaced in the form of a "narcomanta" (a cartel banner) at a high school in Hermosillo, Mexico.
The banner read: "Stick to your profession as musicians. This isn't about singing corridos, it's about collaborating financially or through any illegal actions. If you ignore this warning, you will be executed. Att. Jalisco Mata Salaz." The message was printed on a tarp, which is a method often used by criminal organizations for public threats.
Several individuals were named in the warning, including Cano (nicknamed "El Nata" by his fans), Tito Torbellino Jr., Javier Rosas, and local groups in Hermosillo, Guaymas, Ciudad Obregón, and Navojoa.
The banner was signed by "Los Matasalas," a group reportedly created by "Los Chapitos"—the faction of the Sinaloa Cartel led by the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. They are currently fighting for control of the cartel in a war against their rivals, "La Mayiza."
Experts note that "Los Chapitos" are vying for control over drug production and trafficking routes, including fentanyl, between Sonora and Arizona.
Natanael Cano's reaction
Cano is not the first regional Mexican artist to be targeted by drug cartels. Others, including Peso Pluma, have also faced death threats. However, this case is unique because the artists weren't just warned against performing in specific areas but accused of financing rival groups.
Most artists respond by canceling shows and avoiding the subject. However, Cano took a different approach. He made it very clear what he thought of the threat on his Instagram stories.
He posted a picture expressing his thoughts on the threat with a sarcastic caption: "The only blankets I'm worried about right now. Do you think they'll keep me warm?" followed by a laughing emoji. The photo showed two blankets featuring his face on a bed.
Cano's reaction suggests he's not overly concerned.
Whether Cano has taken the threat seriously or accepted the protection offered by the Sonora prosecutor remains unclear.
What is certain, however, is that the Sinaloa Cartel is embroiled in a violent internal war. The factions, led by "Los Chapitos" and "La Mayiza"—supporters of El Mayo Flaco, son of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada—are fighting for dominance. Zambada, a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel alongside El Chapo, was captured last year in the United States.
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