Grupo Firme, like many of their contemporaries, had a breakout 2023, riding the near doubling of their online streaming audience and notoriety.
The year has not been without controversy, which is to be expected when popularity sky rockets so much even venture capital and research firms notice.
Banned Music
Grupo Firme, for example, had to cancel a Tijuana, Baja California, appearance due to threats in the form of banners springing up near the auditorium where they were to appear. What makes this all the more outrageous is that Tijuana is their hometown!
The capricious nature of territorial disputes are to blame. The same with the complicity of regional authorities who are relatively easy to buy for any major drug trafficking and/or criminal group. Unfortunately, this more obvious explanation of institutional decay is never at issue. Instead, the new kid on the block: the internationalized Mexican regional singer draws the hit.
Cancun, a city where prostitution, drug consumption and extortion color its glitzy commercial centers, decided to ban Mexican Regional music. Mexico’s constitution notwithstanding, conservative elements in the country seek to bulldoze over free speech in an effort to appear doing something. Instead of dismantling local crime syndicates (we’re not asking for major players), these regional governments act tough on entities that can not strike back in any meaningful way.
New Era
Success is infectious. People have noticed that this new trend highlighting Mexican charm can sell well. People love myths. Gone are the days of a particular stereotype that up to just 5 years ago tainted the Mexican male image. Instead, groups of men with leather shoes, jeans and long sleeves are letting you know who has the power in a scale unseen.
To catch a glimpse of this new glamour, people can check out Grupo Firme’s ‘La Ultima Peda’ tour.