MEXICO CITY — Authorities in Mexico are providing state protection to famed regional Mexican singer Natanael Cano after a ruthless drug cartel publicly threatened him and several other artists, as confirmed by prosecutors to the Associated Press.

This alarming situation arose after photos of a threatening banner appeared on social media over the weekend, targeting Cano, a prominent figure in the corrido genre—a musical style often intertwined with narratives of drug cartel violence. The threatening message was linked to a faction of the Sinaloa cartel known as the Chapitos, particularly a subgroup referred to as Jalisco Matasalas, which has been instigating terror in northern Mexico amid ongoing power struggles.

The banner reportedly accused the artists of “financially helping” a rival gang named Salazares and conveyed a stark warning: “This is the last time you will receive a warning, just in time for you to cut the crap. Mind your own business. If you don’t heed this warning, you will be shot.” This grim message was discovered hanging from a school, prompting the Sonoran Prosecutor's Office to open an investigation into the matter.

According to Allan de la Rosa, a spokesperson for the Prosecutor’s Office, the authorities have taken steps to protect the artists to “prevent any aggression related to the direct threat displayed on the banner,” although details regarding the protection remains undisclosed.

Natanael Cano, known for his storytelling through music, is part of a new wave of artists revitalizing the corrido genre by blending it with contemporary styles like trap music. While the genre has historical ties to the realities of drug violence, it is also experiencing a surge in popularity among younger audiences. In fact, streaming of Mexican music on platforms like Spotify has skyrocketed by 400% over the past five years, with Peso Pluma, another regional artist, surpassing even Taylor Swift as the most-streamed artist on YouTube in 2023.

The threats against Cano mirror a troubling trend, as artists in this genre have long faced backlash from both authorities and drug gangs. Peso Pluma was recently forced to cancel a show in Tijuana after receiving threats tied to a rival faction of the Sinaloa cartel. In response, Tijuana authorities have instituted bans on the performance of narco ballads in an attempt to shield audiences, particularly the youth, from violent influence.

The recent threats directed at Cano coincide with an alarming increase in violence throughout Sinaloa and surrounding areas. This surge is linked to the kidnapping and capture of notorious cartel figure Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, which has sparked intense warfare among Sinaloa cartel factions, amplifying the already perilous environment for artists like Cano.

For further details, the full article can be accessed at Los Angeles Times and CBS News.