The music world is mourning the sudden loss of Ernesto Barajas, a founding voice of the popular band Enigma Norteño. The singer, just 38, was tragically killed in Zapopan, Jalisco. Authorities are currently looking into the attack, believing it might have been a targeted hit.
According to reports from Infobae México, state sources confirmed the incident happened at a car lot in the Arenales Tapatíos neighborhood. Barajas was inside a van with two other people when two individuals on a motorcycle rode up and opened fire directly on the vehicle.
The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office has started an investigation into the shooting. So far, no arrests have been made, and there are no clear leads on who might be responsible. Ernesto Barajas and another man died right there at the scene. A woman who was also present suffered injuries in the gunfire.
The news of Barajas’s death quickly spread. His management and booking agency, Tanto Líder, confirmed the heartbreaking news on their Instagram page. They posted a moving tribute: “Rest in peace Ernesto Barajas. We will always be proud of you and remember you as the great artist and human being you were. May God hold you in his holy love.”
Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
Remembering Ernesto Barajas: A Life in Music
Ernesto Barajas was born on September 16, 1986, in Culiacán, Sinaloa. At just 18, he co-founded Enigma Norteño, taking on roles as both vocalist and bassist. He helped shape a unique sound, blending traditional corrido music with a modern twist. The band became well-known for corridos that told stories of street life. Some of their popular songs include ‘El Deportivo’, ‘Los Lujos del R’, ‘El Ondeado’, and ‘Álbum JGL’. Barajas’s distinct musical style was central to the group’s identity.
Beyond his band work, Barajas also hosted a YouTube podcast called ‘Puntos de Vista’. On this show, he chatted with fellow regional music artists like Chico Elizalde and Eduin Caz. His channel had built up a following of nearly 300,000 subscribers. Enigma Norteño itself was quite successful, boasting over 4 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Their corridos resonated deeply with fans across Mexico and the United States.
However, Barajas faced serious challenges. In 2023, he received a direct threat from the CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel). A banner warned him, “You won’t sing corridos of your flag here.” This threat forced him to cancel shows in Baja California to ensure everyone’s safety, as reported by El País.
Just months before his passing, Barajas revealed he was battling some tough health issues. He had been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which affects heart rhythm. Despite these health struggles, he never stopped working on his music or his commitments with the band.
In his final days, Barajas remained dedicated to his craft. Five days before his death, he promoted his new single, “Hello Kitty,” on social media. This song was a collaboration with Edgardo Núñez. Now, that music video has become a poignant tribute, with fans flooding the comments section to express their sorrow and remembrance.
Barajas used Instagram to connect with his fans, sharing glimpses into his personal life, band rehearsals, and performance clips. Many followers noted his approachable style, which set him apart from some other artists in the genre. Though he kept his family life private online, it was known that Ernesto was a father to two young children. He often said they were his biggest reason for working so hard on his music and other projects. His wife was also a constant source of strength. They had been together since before his rise to fame, and Barajas often spoke in interviews about her unwavering support, especially through the difficult times and threats he faced.