The lead singer of Enigma Norteño, Ernesto Barajas, has tragically passed away, confirmed by the state prosecutor's office to Associated Press. On August 19, Barajas, aged 38, was fatally shot in a parking lot in Zapopan, a city nestled in Jalisco, Mexico. According to local authorities who spoke to CBS News, two motorcycle-riding assailants approached Barajas and unleashed a hail of bullets. Alongside the beloved musician, another man lost his life in the attack, while a woman sustained injuries.
Following the heartbreaking news of his demise, Barajas' management company posted a tribute on Instagram Stories on August 20, stating, "Rest in peace." They further expressed, "Your Talento Linder family will forever cherish your memory and hold you in high esteem as the exceptional artist and compassionate human being you were. May God grant you eternal peace."
Enigma Norteño, established in 2004, gained prominence within the "narcocorrido" subgenre—a musical style that revolves around songs depicting real-life drug traffickers and cartel members. In an interview with Independent en Español in 2022, Barajas noted the potential perils of releasing a corrido without authorization, saying, "Revealing too much about a character could lead authorities to use those details as clues for their arrests." He continued, advocating for truth-telling, "Perhaps that's why I've never encountered any issues. Respect and refraining from offending other parties are key to composing a corrido."
Barajas also revealed that sometimes, songs could be commissioned, charging $25,000 per "narcocorrido." He shared, "Occasionally, they reach out and request a corrido, perhaps through intermediaries since they might be too busy or high-ranking to personally approach me. They assign someone to handle it."
Despite his involvement in this genre, Barajas was steadfast in his conviction that his music did not glorify criminal activities. He emphasized, "Young listeners who grow up immersed in 'narcocorridos' might eventually want to emulate that lifestyle. We exercise utmost caution in our lyrics, ensuring we don't set a bad example. We're very mindful of that aspect."
