Mexican corridos tumbados artist Natanael Cano is back in the headlines after speaking out about threats from organized crime. In a country like Mexico, where violence and drug trafficking remain pressing issues, the singer took to social media, sparking widespread reactions.
Cano was threatened by a criminal group known as Los Mata Salas, which left a narcomanta in Hermosillo, Sonora, accusing him and other musicians of supporting Los Salazar, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. The message warned that if they continued providing financial support to the cartel, they would face severe consequences, including death.
Cano's response
Amid the media storm, Cano addressed the accusations on Instagram. In a series of stories—later deleted—he asserted that he is just a "regular civilian" and dismissed the threats as distractions from more significant issues. "Don't be fooled," he said, implying that there were more important matters than his public persona.
His message was clear
He also made a bold statement: "I'll sing here or in China if they pay me. I don't ask who they are." His words sparked controversy. Some fans saw it as an attempt to distance himself from the accusations, while others interpreted it as tacit acceptance of performing for any group.
Screenshots of his deleted stories quickly circulated online, fueling further debate. Supporters defended his stance, while critics accused him of disregarding the moral implications of his work.
The Sonora Attorney General's Office confirmed that threats against Cano and other musicians are part of a broader attempt by criminal groups to assert control in the region. Carlos Alberto Flores, head of the Ministerial Criminal Investigation Agency (AMIC), stated that authorities are taking measures to protect the artists named in the narcomantas.
This isn't Cano's first controversy
He previously faced legal trouble for attempting to bribe police after being pulled over for speeding. His career, shaped by lyrics about violence and drug trafficking, has drawn criticism for the cultural impact of corridos tumbados.
Other artists, including Tito Torbellino Jr. and Javier Rosas, were also mentioned in the threats, increasing concerns within the music industry. Many fear that the situation could escalate, endangering both careers and personal safety.
Despite the tension, Cano remains active in his career. He recently participated in international events and continues to be a major figure in his genre. However, his immediate future remains uncertain, depending on whether the threats persist or if he chooses to address the issue more openly.
Meanwhile, authorities continue investigating the threats, prioritizing the safety of these musicians over their careers and implementing protective measures as needed.
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