Luis R. Conriquez’s Show at Mexican Fair Canceled Due to Alleged Glorification of Crime

The government of the Mexican state of Zacatecas requested that organizers of a local fair cancel the performance of regional Mexican music star Luis R. Conriquez , which was scheduled for Aug. 28, citing concerns that some of his musical content allegedly constitutes glorification of crime.

In a letter sent on Tuesday (Aug. 18), Zacatecas’ secretary general of government, Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza, asked the municipality of Fresnillo to reconsider the artist’s participation to avoid expressions “that may contradict institutional efforts in social violence prevention.” The following day, Wednesday (Aug. 19), the official confirmed the cancellation of the concert at the Fresnillo National Fair.

“We made a recommendation based on prior discussions with the Fresnillo authorities about the need to evaluate the inclusion of this artist in this year’s edition,” Reyes Mugüerza said during a press conference . “This is because it’s a performance that does not align with the vision of the Peacebuilding Council nor with the guidelines established for allowing these types of events.”

In the letter to the Fresnillo city council, Reyes Mugüerza stated that the artistic content associated with the performance of the Sonora-born singer-songwriter “constitutes glorification of crime,” as outlined in Article 190 of the Penal Code for the State of Zacatecas, “by exalting violence and imagery linked to organized crime groups.”

Reyes Mugüerza added that the Zacatecas government would support the municipality in hiring another artist to replace Conriquez. Additionally, he mentioned that the performance of another prominent corridos tumbados artist, Oscar Maydón, which had been previously announced, was under review.

Billboard Español reached out to organizers of the Fresnillo National Fair for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

Conriquez is one of the leading figures in corridos bélicos , a genre famous for glorifying drug trafficking and its notorious figures. Some of his most controversial songs include “JGL,” which refers to the initials of Joaquín Guzmán Loera “El Chapo,” and “Por clave el R1,” dedicated to Rubén Guerrero Valadez, a leader linked to a well-known drug cartel who was arrested in July by federal forces.

In a statement issued by Conriquez’s publicists shared with Billboard Español , they noted that the artist’s team had submitted all required documentation to Fresnillo authorities “in a timely manner.”

“As part of these requirements, a setlist of songs to be performed during the show was requested, which was delivered and approved in a timely manner,” the statement reads. “The repertoire did not include the performance of any corridos. However, today, municipal authorities were notified that the state government had requested the cancellation of Luis R. Conriquez’s performance.”

This is not the first time the artist has faced controversy over the content of his songs. In April 2025, one of his concerts ended in chaos at the Feria del Caballo in the State of Mexico after announcing to attendees that he would not perform narcocorridos due to a prohibition on expressions glorifying violence implemented in municipalities of that state neighboring Mexico City. Following the incident, the singer announced he would make “significant changes” to the lyrics he performs to comply with new rules imposed by certain authorities.

The prohibition of narcocorridos is not new but reached its peak in 2025 following an unprecedented move by the U.S. State Department, which canceled work and tourist visas for the Mexican corridos group Los Alegres del Barranco in April of that year after they displayed images of the late leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes “El Mencho,” during a concert at an auditorium in the University of Guadalajara.

Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has repeatedly stated that her government does not ban musical genres, including narcocorridos, and claims that restrictions have been decisions made by some state and municipal governments, as she told Billboard in April 2025.

In 2025, the Mexican government launched the first edition of México Canta (Mexico Sings), a talent competition aimed at reversing the glorification of violence and the fascination some young people have with joining criminal groups enticed by promises of a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle, amidst the wave of violence affecting certain regions of the country. The contest is celebrating its second edition this year.

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