Junior H is acknowledging his past. The Mexican singer, whose real name is Antonio Herrera Pérez, admitted his early narcocorrido hits did not always send the right message.
Speaking at a press conference alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday, Junior H said: "In my early days, some of the stories I told in my songs did not contribute to the positive message reflected in my current compositions because as I matured, I came to understand that music, beyond being merely a form of expression, also entails a significant responsibility when millions of people around the world listen to you."
Corridos tumbados, the Mexican genre built on tales of street life, has been under fire from the government for allegedly glorifying crime and violence. Junior H framed his evolution as a matter of growing up and realizing his influence.
"When you become a role model for so many, you realize that what you say truly influences how they feel, how they dream, and, most importantly, how they build their future," he said.
Junior H is not abandoning Mexican storytelling. "A culture of peace does not mean we cease to tell the story of our reality. It means finding new ways to express it," he declared, calling on younger artists to chase their dreams and represent "the very best of our generation."
The speech came as part of México Canta, a government singing competition aimed at promoting peace and combating drug addiction. President Sheinbaum, notably more measured than her predecessors, said she is not censoring regional music—just promoting the non-violent variety instead.
Fans are divided on the pivot: some see genuine growth, others see political calculation.
