The Mexican regional music scene is in deep mourning. Ernesto Barajas, the powerful voice and leader of the group Enigma Norteño, was killed in a shooting in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. News of his death, at just 38 years old, sent shockwaves through fans, fellow musicians, and the entertainment world.
The tragic event happened on Monday, August 19, near a parking area in the Tepeyac neighborhood. Reports from the newspaper El País state that two men on a motorcycle fired at the truck where Barajas was. Another man in the vehicle also died. A woman passing by was seriously hurt and rushed to a hospital.
No official reason for the crime has been shared yet. However, many remember that Barajas had faced threats before.
In 2023, Enigma Norteño had to cancel a concert in Baja California. This was after a "narcomanta" appeared. These are threatening messages, usually left in public places by organized crime groups. The message was reportedly from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. It read, "Baja has an owner," warning the band not to perform there. The group always said they had no ties to organized crime. But they did admit that drug lords had contacted them many times to write corridos, a type of narrative song.
The Music Journey of Ernesto Barajas
Enigma Norteño started in 2004. They quickly became a major force in regional Mexican music. Their modern sound and close connection with fans helped them achieve widespread success. They boast over 4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, showing their reach across platforms and borders.
Ernesto Barajas was more than just a singer. He also played bass and wrote songs. More recently, he hosted a YouTube podcast. On his show, he interviewed big names in the genre like Eduin Caz, Gabito Ballesteros, and Carin León. His distinctive voice, warm personality, and clear artistic vision made him a respected figure both on and off stage.
A Community in Mourning
The news of Barajas’s death brought deep sadness to the music community. Eduin Caz, former singer of Grupo Firme, shared an emotional video. He sent his condolences to the family. Caz also recalled the good times he shared with Barajas, saying, "We lost a great one, someone who always fought for what was his."
Larry Hernández also honored Barajas on his social media. "You went ahead of us, buddy. Rest in peace, Ernesto. I will always remember you with a smile and a good song," he wrote. He posted a photo of them together.
Ernesto Barajas’s passing leaves a huge void, not just for Enigma Norteño. It affects a whole generation of musicians who looked up to him. He was seen as a symbol of being true to oneself and pushing the genre forward. He was good at mixing old traditions with new sounds. He also spoke honestly about the challenges of the genre, including the danger of singing about narcocorridos. This made him a necessary and brave voice.
In his last interviews, Barajas shared his biggest wish. He wanted his group’s music to keep reaching new audiences. He also wanted his family to be proud of the legacy he built. Today, his songs resonate louder than ever. But they carry a sadness that is impossible to ignore.