Following public threats, Mexican authorities have confirmed they are providing state protection to renowned regional Mexican singer Natanael Cano and other artists.

A banner threatening the lives of Cano, a corrido singer, and several other artists in Sonora circulated online over the weekend.

The banner, seemingly from the “Jalisco Matasalas” group—a faction within the Sinaloa Cartel’s “Chapitos”—accused the singers of supporting a rival gang, the “Salazares,” during a recent power struggle that has caused significant violence in northern Mexico. The message warned the singers to cease their alleged support, threatening violence should they refuse.

“This is your final warning. Mind your own business,” the banner stated. “Disobey, and you will be shot.”

The Sonoran Prosecutor’s Office reported finding the threatening message at a school and launched an investigation.

A spokesperson, Allan de la Rosa, stated that the state is offering protection to prevent any attacks stemming from the threat. Details about the protection measures remain undisclosed.

Cano’s representatives haven’t yet responded to requests for comment.

Corridos, ballads often linked to drug violence, also portray the harsh realities of life under Mexico’s narco-violence. The genre, along with regional Mexican music, is enjoying a revival, with younger artists like Cano and Peso Pluma blending traditional styles with genres such as trap music.

Mexican music streaming on Spotify has increased by 400% in the last five years, and in 2023, Peso Pluma surpassed Taylor Swift as YouTube’s most streamed artist.

Such artists frequently face criticism from authorities and threats from drug cartels.

In 2023, Peso Pluma, who has referenced drug lords in his songs, had to cancel a Tijuana show after receiving threats from a Sinaloa Cartel rival warning it would be his last performance.

Tijuana subsequently banned narco ballads to protect young people from the violence. Similar bans on narcocorridos have been enacted in other northern states.

The threats against Cano coincide with a surge in violence in Sinaloa and other northern Mexican states following the capture of drug lord Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and the ensuing conflict between rival Sinaloa Cartel factions, including the group that allegedly issued the threat.