AceShowbiz - Junior H, the Mexican singer known for his narcocorrido hits, is redefining the themes in his music. During a recent press conference alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum, he addressed the controversy surrounding corridos tumbados, a genre criticized by the Mexican government for allegedly glorifying crime and violence.

Speaking at the event promoting the second annual national singing competition México Canta, Junior H acknowledged that his earlier songs did not always carry positive messages. “In my early days, some of the stories I told in my songs did not contribute to the positive message reflected in my current compositions,” he admitted. He explained that with maturity, he realized music is more than just expression—it carries a responsibility, especially when millions of listeners worldwide are influenced by it.

“When you become a role model for so many, you realize that what you say truly influences how they feel, how they dream, and, most importantly, how they build their future,” the artist, whose real name is Antonio Herrera Pérez, emphasized.

Despite moving away from corridos tumbados, Junior H remains committed to authentically representing Mexican realities. He clarified, “A culture of peace does not mean we cease to tell the story of our reality. It means finding new ways to express it.” He encouraged young people to engage in music and pursue their dreams, highlighting the need for fresh voices and songs that reflect the best of Mexico’s new generation.

México Canta is a government-backed singing contest aimed at promoting peace, combating drug addiction, and rejecting violence through music. During the same news conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed the importance of encouraging music with diverse narratives. “We are not censoring [regional music], because I don't believe in censorship. I don't think prohibiting music or its contents will solve anything. More than anything, we need to promote non-violent music. That's the objective of this contest,” she stated.

Sheinbaum’s position marks a clear departure from previous administrations such as that of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, which attempted to ban public performances of corridos tumbados artists. Currently, 10 Mexican states enforce bans or restrictions that include fines or imprisonment for violations.

The evolving dialogue around corridos tumbados highlights the tension between artistic expression and social responsibility. Junior H’s pivot suggests a growing awareness among artists about the impact of their music, particularly as government initiatives push for peaceful narratives within Mexican regional music.