MEXICO CITY — President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico announced on Monday her initiative aimed at diminishing the appeal of “narco corridos,” a musical genre closely associated with the violence of drug cartels.

Sheinbaum revealed her plan to launch a campaign that encourages the promotion of alternative musical genres that lack the connections to drug trafficking and its associated violence, aiming to halt the glorification of these figures through music.

As part of her strategy, Sheinbaum mentioned organizing a contest for corrido bands that create lyrics focusing on different narratives and cultural perspectives. She emphasized that “prohibiting them is not an option,” indicating a more proactive approach to influence cultural trends rather than enforcing bans.

Helping her in this initiative is Esteban Villegas, a 47-year-old governor from the northern region who has a background in traditional “banda” music. “We had an inspiring conversation in Durango,” Sheinbaum noted, referring to their discussion on integrating the governor’s musical talents into the campaign. “He is a ‘banda’ singer,” she added, highlighting his potential influence on community engagement through songs that celebrate hard work and rural life.

In contrast, Peso Pluma, a prominent figure in regional Mexican music, has made a name for himself with his “belicon” or aggressive “tumbado” tracks which often contain references to drug trafficking and its allure.

Over the years, various Mexican cities have attempted to impose bans on the live performances of narco corridos, resulting in mixed outcomes. Marco Antonio Gordoa Obeso, the head of a musicians’ union in Mazatlán, expressed optimism about expanding the music spectrum but acknowledged the enduring demand for narco corridos among audiences. “People ask for it,” Gordoa Obeso explained. “Who am I to deny somebody their preference?”