Mexico Launches Music Contest Amid Trump Tariff Concerns
Mexican cultural initiative partly responds to US trade policies
Mexico has launched a new music competition called 'México Canta' aimed at promoting songs that don't glorify violence or drugs. The initiative, announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum, targets young Mexican and Mexican-American artists between 18 and 34 years old. The contest is designed to shift focus toward themes like love and peace while providing professional support to emerging musicians.
The program has an explicit connection to US-Mexico relations, as it forms part of Mexico's strategy to attract creative industries amid US President Donald Trump's tariff policies. According to Mexico's Secretary of Culture, the contest aims to redirect a portion of the creative industry from the United States to Mexico, supporting national growth in response to current US trade approaches. The initiative comes as Mexican music reportedly generates $2 billion in the United States.
KEY POINTS
- •Response to Trump tariff policies
- •Selections in three US cities
- •Targets Mexican-American musicians
The binational contest will hold selections in three US cities—Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles—alongside three Mexican locations. Participants can perform in various traditional Mexican genres or fusions with contemporary styles like rap and hip-hop. Winners will receive mentorship, recording contracts, and opportunities to produce albums or EPs with participating record labels.
The timing of the announcement follows recent tensions when the US government revoked visas for a Mexican music group after they projected images of a criminal leader during a university concert. The contest registration opens April 28 with the finale scheduled for October 5 in Durango, Mexico. Major industry players including Virgin Music Group and Universal are supporting the initiative.