Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Launches ‘México Canta’ Binational Contest Aimed at Creating Music That Doesn’t Glorify Violence or Drugs

Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum is hoping to change the musical narrative…

The 62-year-old Mexican politician, scientist and academic, the 66th president of Mexico a and first woman to hold the office, is hoping to encourage young artists — especially those in the trending genre of corridos tumbados — to create songs that don’t glorify violence or drugs.

Claudia Sheinbaum,This week Sheinbaum announced México Canta, a binational contest aimed at shifting the focus of Mexican music to themes like “love, heartbreak and peace.” 

This is the first initiative launched by the Mexican government to use music as a way to counteract the glorification of violence and the fascination some young people have with joining criminal groups, drawn by the promise of a flashy, luxurious lifestyle — all happening amid the wave of violence affecting certain regions of the country.

“While the contest won’t solve this issue overnight, and we’re not neglecting the underlying causes — for that, there’s a whole national security program — we felt it was important to create creative spaces through culture for Mexican and Mexican-American youth who are passionate about music,” explains Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Mexico’s Secretary of Culture, to Billboard Español.

In her opinion, many young Mexicans see their dreams of breaking into the music industry crushed, because they don’t have instruments or professional recording equipment.

“Organized crime takes advantage of this situation and starts funding musicians,” says the official. “No one hires you if you don’t have a solid music production to stand out. This program aims to provide that professional support.”

The presidential initiative is backed by a segment of the country’s music industry, including major players like Virgin Music Group and Fonovisa/Universal, the Mexican Society of Authors and Composers (SACM), the Mexican Association of Producers of Phonograms and Videograms (AMPROFON), among others.

Registrations will be open at mexicocanta.gob.mx from April 28 to May 30.

The grand finale will take place on October 5 in the Mexican state of Durango.

Who can participate?
All young Mexican and Mexican-American performers between the ages of 18 and 34.

How can you participate?
With songs or performances in genres like mariachi, norteño, banda, corrido, tropical, duranguense, campirano, bolero, among others, as well as fusions with rap, rock, pop, and hip-hop. Participants can perform in indigenous languages, Spanish, or Spanglish, with original songs up to 3 minutes long.

In which cities will participants be selected?
In the U.S.: Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles.
In Mexico: Tijuana, Mexico City, and Oaxaca. 

Where can the contest be followed?
On the Mexican government’s public channels and official social media platforms.

What are the prizes?
Regional winners will receive mentorship from a group of specialists.
For Best Song, the prize is a contract with a national, international, or independent record label.
The Best Performer will be awarded a record deal and the opportunity to record an album.
The winner of the Jury Prize will receive a record deal and the opportunity to record an EP (6 songs).

Trevi Signs with Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)

Gloria Trevi has new representation when it comes to her music…

The 46-year-old Mexican singer has signed with Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) for representation of the public performances of her music catalog, according to Billboard.

Gloria Trevi

Moving forward, BMI will represent Trevi’s complete catalog, according to her management. Trevi was formerly signed to Mexico’s Society of Authors and Composers (SACM), through a license with ASCAP.

Hailed as the  “Supreme Diva of Mexican Pop” by  VH1, Trevi is one of the most celebrated figures in Latin pop, both as a musical artist and as a personality with a career that spans 25 years. She has  sold more than 20 million records.

“She’s an amazing performer who exudes so much magic on stage. As a songwriter, she evokes raw emotion and transparency, which has connected her with her myriad of fans,” said Delia Orjuela, BMI’s vice president of Latin Music. “I’ve been a fan of Gloria’s for years and foresee her flourishing even more as her brand expands.”

Trevi’s brand includes A Toda Gloria, a reality television series on mun2, and an upcoming biopic titled simply Gloria.

A prolific touring artist, Trevi became famous in the 1990s thanks to her rebellious songs and attitude, earning her the nickname “Mexican Madonna.”