What's happened
Mexican singer Quintana's new album, 'Cosas que Sorprenden a la Audiencia,' highlights stories of women imprisoned for killing their abusers. Using the corridos genre, she aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence in Latin America, where violence against women is rampant. The album seeks to change perceptions and amplify women's voices.
What's behind the headline?
Cultural Shift in Corridos
- Reimagining a Genre: Quintana's use of corridos, traditionally male-dominated and often associated with narcocorridos, marks a significant cultural shift. By focusing on women's stories, she challenges the genre's historical narratives.
- Political Context: The Mexican government, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, is promoting a new style of corridos that avoids glorifying violence and misogyny. This aligns with Quintana's mission, suggesting a broader societal movement against harmful narratives in music.
- Impact on Society: With an average of 10 women killed daily in Mexico, Quintana's album serves as a crucial tool for raising awareness. It not only highlights individual stories but also calls for systemic change in how society views and treats victims of gender-based violence.
- Future of Music: As more artists join the movement against narcocorridos, the music landscape in Mexico may evolve. This could lead to a new wave of artists who prioritize social issues over commercial success, reshaping cultural expressions in the country.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Quintana's album aims to change minds rather than just sell, emphasizing the need for awareness about gender violence in Latin America. The New York Times highlights a growing backlash against narcocorridos, with artists like Conriquez stepping away from glorifying violence. This reflects a significant cultural debate in Mexico about the role of music in society and its impact on public perception of crime and gender issues.
How we got here
Quintana has spent a decade visiting women in prison for defending themselves against abusers. Her latest album, released on April 24, 2025, tells the stories of ten such women, aiming to shed light on the injustices they face within a flawed justice system.
Go deeper
- What inspired Quintana to create this album?
- How are other artists responding to the movement?
- What impact could this album have on society?
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Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea
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Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (born 24 June 1962) is a Mexican politician, energy and climate change scientist, and academic who is the 66th and current president of Mexico since 2024. She is the first woman and the first Jewish person to hold the office. A...