The renowned Mexican singer-songwriter, Paquita la del Barrio, passed away at the age of 77, as announced by her team on Monday through an Instagram statement. "May you rest in eternal peace; your music and enduring legacy will forever resonate within our hearts," the heartfelt tribute read, respectfully requesting privacy for her family to navigate their grief in seclusion. CNN has reached out to Paquita la del Barrio's management for further comment.
Francisca Viveros Barradas, her given name, was born in 1947 in the eastern Mexican state of Veracruz. Renowned for her empowering lyrics that fiercely confronted male chauvinism in shattered romantic relationships, her songs left an indelible mark. Hits such as "Tres Veces te Engañé" (Three Times I Cheated on You) and "Rata de Dos Patas" (Two-Legged Rat) stand as testaments to her unwavering commitment to addressing gender inequality through music.
From a tender age, she exhibited a profound affection for ranchera music, heavily influenced by legends like Antonio Aguilar and Pedro Infante. Throughout her storied career, Paquita distinguished herself by performing tracks that delved into themes of heartbreak and female empowerment, solidifying her status as an iconic figure in Mexican musical history.
"Her captivating live performances, primarily grounded in feminist anthems with scathing lyrics that challenged macho attitudes, mesmerized fans across the nation," her Spotify biography eulogizes. Paquita garnered numerous accolades for her contributions to Mexican music, including three Grammy Award nominations and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in 2021.
"Rata de dos patas" continues to serve as a poignant anthem of heartbreak and female empowerment, covered by numerous artists, further cementing her place in Latin music history. The Mexican Ministry of Culture mourned the loss of this ranchera music icon in a poignant post, lauding her repertoire spanning over 40 record productions that encompassed rancheras, banda, and norteñas, all distinguished by her unwavering voice against injustices towards women. "Rest in peace," the ministry's statement concluded, paying homage to her legacy.
