Regional Mexican music isn’t just melodies and harmonies; it's a narrative of life, history, and emotion. This umbrella term encompasses various subgenres such as banda, country en español, Duranguense, and Norteño, all of which hail from different regions of rural Mexico and the Southwestern United States. They are vibrant threads in the intricate tapestry that illustrates the rich Mexican and Mexican-American culture.
At the heart of these genres, we find the corrido. An evocative, narrative ballad, the corrido was the voice of the oppressed during the Mexican Revolution, encapsulating tales of vaquero lifestyles, daily routines of criminals, and more. This art form became deeply ingrained in Tejano and New Mexico music, influencing the Western musical landscape.
In a genre where the spotlight often beams on male artists like the ever-famous Peso Pluma, there's a rising wave of Latina talent that demands recognition. Women like Jenny Rivera, Alicia Villarreal, and Ana Barbara have carved out spaces for future artists to shine, addressing themes from love and sex to domestic abuse and heartbreak.
Enter the new age of resilient Latinas in Regional Mexicano:
Yahritza Y Su Esencia
Though this trio of siblings recently sparked controversy for their comments about Mexico City, it's their immense talent that should be making headlines. At just 16, Yahritza Martínez has already captured musical charts. With her brothers Armando and Jairo, the trio presents a refreshing mix of regional Mexican and 'corridos tumbados'. Born in Washington to Mexican parents, they have swiftly claimed the number one spot on YouTube Music US and a proud fifth place in Mexico.
Lluvia Arámbula
Hailing from Oklahoma, the 19-year-old Lluvia Arámbula is a master of the requinto guitar. Inspired by the absence of female artists in Sierreño and corridos, Lluvia chose to forge her own path with "corridos alterados" – a fast-paced, lyrically intense variant. Her music, filled with relentless energy, speaks of determination and the drive to keep moving forward, no matter the hurdles. It's no wonder that Arámbula has turned into a beacon for young girls.
Ivonne Galaz
From Ciudad Obregón, Ivonne embarked on her musical journey at just seven. By 18, she released 'Voy en Camino', stamping her name as a star on the rise in Regional Mexicano. But what stands out about Ivonne is her raw, unapologetic honesty. Beyond her music, she is a fierce advocate for women's rights, evident when she released a tribute song for Vanessa Guillén, a U.S. soldier tragically killed by a fellow army member.
Michelle Bi
Michelle Bi, a talented artist from Sonora, began her career writing corridos. Over time, she's sculpted a unique style, which she calls "hot corridos". Michelle's music delves deep into "la belicada", a lifestyle that embraces partying, indulgence, sex, and even references to narcotics. She challenges and redefines the archaic image of the submissive woman, proving that the Regional Mexicano space is ripe for change.
Conexión Divina
Liz Trujillo, Sandra Calixto, and Ashlee Valenzuela, aged 18, 20, and 23 respectively, hail from Texas, California, and Arizona. While each has a unique age and state of origin, they are united by a shared passion. Bonding over the internet and then relocating to L.A., the trio named themselves as a nod to "Mujeres Divinas" by Vicente Fernandez but added a twist to symbolize their unique digital origin. With the release of their debut album “Tres Mundos,” they marked a significant milestone as the first all-women Gen Z Sierreño group at the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Despite teaching themselves in a world that's often a boys' club, these ladies haven't let anything dim their spark. Challenges? Sure. But their grit just keeps pushing them to the spotlight even more.
As the corridos of the past narrated the tales of revolutions, these artists are the voice of a new revolution, one where women lead with strength, resilience, and unapologetic talent.
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Photo by Caleb Oquendo: 