Early Tuesday morning, Tijuana’s music scene was rocked by the latest threats from organized crime, with banners linked to the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation (CJNG) appearing across the city. These banners targeted the 24-year-old musician, Peso Pluma, known for his narcocorridos — songs dedicated to criminal leaders.
“These are for you, Peso Pluma. Refrain from performing on October 14 because it will be your last show for being disrespectful and loose-tongued. If you show up, we’ll break your mother*,” reads one such banner, alluding to the organization headed by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as “El Mencho”.
Peso Pluma has announced a performance in Tijuana on October 14, as part of his “Doble P Mexico Tour”. Currently, in the pre-sale phase, the concert is set to be hosted at Caliente Stadium. Yet, following these threats, there is uncertainty looming over whether the performance will proceed.
Mayor Montserrat Caballero has expressed concerns. “Depending on the progress of the investigation between now and the concert, we will decide to allow it or not, for the safety of the artist and the people of Tijuana,” Caballero commented in a press conference. She further added that the artist’s security would largely be the responsibility of Peso Pluma’s management, but local authorities would also take necessary precautions.
This isn’t the first time the city’s music scene has been under the shadow of the CJNG. Earlier this year, Grupo Arriesgado postponed their concert following similar threats. Beyond artists, the general populace too has felt the sting of insecurity, with Mayor Caballero herself relocating to the military barracks of the 28th Infantry Battalion last June.
As the city remains on edge, Peso Pluma has yet to comment on the situation. His recent social media activity pertains to his nomination for the MTV VMAS 2023. However, observers anticipate a statement from his representatives soon.
In response to the banners, Municipal Police officers have been dispatched to the areas where the banners were found. While they have set up a surveillance mechanism to catch the culprits, no arrests have been made at the time of reporting.
In the face of ongoing threats and challenges, Tijuana remains resilient, hoping for peaceful resolutions and the safety of its citizens and visitors.