Latest news with #GrupoFirme
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Addison Rae, Katseye, and Nikki Glaser lead list of new Recording Academy invitees
Addison Rae, Katseye, and Nikki Glaser were among the list of music and recording professionals newly invited to join the Recording Academy. The organization, which runs the Grammy awards, extended invitations to nearly 3,600 industry members, all of whom — upon accepting the invite — will be able to vote in the awards. More from Gold Derby The horror! 'Sinners' and 'The Substance' lead Fangoria Chainsaw Awards nominations of year's scariest offerings 'Ne Zha 2,' explained: How it became the biggest animated film ever and is recruiting Oscar talent for the U.S. release Other notable invitees include Joey Bada$$, Grupo Firme, and Mariah the Scientist. "For today's music creators, Grammy membership opens up an incredible set of opportunities," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., said in a statement. 'Not only do voting members get the chance to honor their peers with Grammy nominations and awards, Academy members get access to hands-on experience, skill development to advance their careers, exposure to peers and mentors in the music industry and be part of an organization shaping the future of music.' The news of the invitation comes at a major moment for Rae, who released her first album last month and is currently sitting at No. 4 in Gold Derby's Best New Artist predictions for the Grammy Awards. "It is a huge honor to join the Recording Academy/Grammys 2025 New Member Class," Rae said in a statement. "I am so lucky to be surrounded by talent and poise that inspires me to create fearlessly and help encourage others to do so as well. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!" The first round of Grammy voting will run from Oct. 3 to Oct. 15, with nominations being announced on Nov. 7. Final round voting runs from Dec. 12 to Jan. 5, ahead of the ceremony on Feb. 1. Best of Gold Derby Billboard 200: Chart-topping albums of 2025 Billboard Hot 100: Every No. 1 song of 2025 The B-52s' Kate Pierson talks Rock Hall snub, influencing John Lennon, and fears a solo album would be a 'betrayal' to her band Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘United We Rise': Fuerza Regida, Maná, Becky G & More Latin Artists Take a Stand Against Trump's Immigration Crackdowns
The L.A. raids coupled by the Trump administration's immigration policies have sent shockwaves through the Latin music world and beyond, bringing cultural and political tensions to the forefront. More from Billboard Natti Natasha Reveals She's Pregnant with Second Baby in Adorable Video Inside Manuel Turizo's 201 World Tour: 'We're Going to Create Chaos' Pitbull Responds to Viral Trend of Fans Dressing Up as Him at U.K. Shows: 'Priceless' From abrupt visa issues disrupting major touring schedules from Mexican stars like Julión Álvarez and Grupo Firme, to Donald Trump's deployment of 2,000 California National Guard to quell protests, the stakes are higher than ever. Regional Mexican and Latin artists, many of whom are and come from immigrant families, are using their platforms to speak out against these injustices and stand in solidarity with affected communities. In the face of increased ICE raids, revoked visas, and inflammatory rhetoric, stars like Ivan Cornejo, Fuerza Regida, Chiquis and more are delivering hope and empowerment. 'The people being attacked today are not 'illegal aliens', they are human beings with RIGHTS,' wrote Becky G on Instagram. 'We must understand that an attack on them is an attack on OUR DEMOCRACY and an attack on what this country was made to stand for.' 'It no longer feels like the country of hope they told us so much about,' added DannyLux. Their activism doesn't stop at words. Many have donated to community organizations and shared resources, such as Cornejo with (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights); and Peso Pluma and his manager George Prajin's labels Double P Records and Prajin Parlay, who shared links to immigrant rights organizations: (Immigrant Legal Recourse Center), (National Immigration Law Center), and more. 'The peaceful and non violent fight for justice, dignity, and humanity for our immigrant community is one we are proud to be part of,' the two aforementioned labels wrote. The growing wave of Latin artists using their platforms to push back against Trump's immigration policies also includes Maná, Don Omar, Pepe Aguilar. Check out how they're speaking out with messages of resilience to inspire Becky G, activism is personal. As the proud granddaughter of immigrants, the singer took to Instagram to share an emotionally charged post emphasizing the humanity of immigrant communities and the importance of treating them with dignity and respect. 'The people being attacked today are not 'illegal aliens', they are human beings with RIGHTS,' she wrote on Instagram. 'We must understand that an attack on them is an attack on OUR DEMOCRACY and an attack on what this country was made to stand for.' She continued, 'We want safety and protection for our immigrant community — in a country where the right to protest, peacefully, has consistently changed the course of history. Our hearts are broken but our spirit & will to fight back is not!' The Inglewood native also revealed she has been 'donating, speaking with organizers, and gathering reliable, immediate resources and information' with those affected by ICE raids and Rivera has voiced her solidarity with immigrants in the U.S., offering words of caution and support. In an interview shared on the program Sale el Sol from Imagen Televisión on Tuesday (June 10), the singer warned, 'There is going to be ICE everywhere. So if you don't have papers, I suggest you stay home.' She continued, 'Do your best not to go out for the next 30 days if you don't have to…think about what might happen tomorrow.''My dad came to this country illegally at 17 years old with the dream that his children would have a better future… like many of our parents,' wrote DannyLux on an Instagram post. He lamented the harassment of Latin communities, especially in L.A., while reflecting on the struggles of immigrant families. 'It hurts me so much to see everything that's happening in Los Angeles and throughout the Nation. It no longer feels like the country of hope they told us so much about,' the Mexican-American artist continued, highlighting the disconnect between the idealized image of the U.S. and the harsh realities immigrant communities are currently facing. The artist recognized the protests as 'a cry from a community tired of being ignored and criminalized just for seeking that dignified life!'Don Omar shared a heartfelt message on an Instagram video, celebrating the resilience and hope that define the immigrant experience in the U.S. 'There is something very beautiful about being an immigrant, and that very beautiful thing about being an immigrant is the desire to improve oneself,' the reggaetón icon said. 'It is time for all of us migrants and immigrants to come together, we must see ourselves as one people,' said the Puerto Rican artist, urging them to view themselves as one unified pueblo. See the clip below. // Regida, alongside their label Street Mob Records, sent a message of solidarity via social media to their fanbase amid the current immigration crackdown. 'We're sending love and strength to our Latino communities during this difficult time,' they wrote. 'These are our people, our fans, the very communities that inspire our music. We see your strength and resilience.' The band further expressed their commitment to action, revealing plans to support those directly impacted by these events. 'Stay safe, stay strong, and remember, juntos podemos lograr todo,' they for their cross-border appeal and cultural pride, Grupo Frontera is clear in their resolve: they will not stop fighting for their people. In an Instagram story, the border band showed their solidarity for immigrant communities facing hardship and discrimination across the U.S. 'We're watching everything that's happening in Los Angeles, Texas, and across the country, and we want you to know that you're not alone,' they wrote. 'As immigrants, we understand the pain, uncertainty, and fear that many are experiencing. It hurts to see our people go through this, and that's why we want to speak out.' 'Now more than ever, it's time to come together, to look out for one another, and to keep moving towards dignity and hope. We continue to show our solidarity with our community, because your well-being is what matters most to us,' they Cornejo shared a message reflecting his personal connection to the struggles faced by immigrants today. 'America was built on the backs of immigrants like my father, and now we're being targeted, undermining America's core values,' the Mexican-American artist wrote in a statement. The singer, whose father was granted amnesty in 1986 under then-President Ronald Reagan, spoke of the cultural and economic contributions immigrants have always made to the country, while expressing sorrow over the current political climate. He emphasized his commitment to using his art as a form of solidarity and launched efforts to raise funds for immigrant advocacy organizations such as Humilde, the founder of Rancho Humilde, shared a poetic message that celebrates unity and resilience within the Mexican-American community. 'United we rise. Together we stand, hand in hand, Mexican and American, united we band,' the poem begins. His message reminds us that, even in times of political and social pressure, the strength of community and shared heritage can inspire hope and collective action. Read his full message below.'People like you, the only thing you have done is to work and work, and make this country great,' Fher Olvera, frontman of the legendary Mexican rock band Maná, hold his immigrant following in an Instagram video, acknowledging the countless contributions of Latinos to the U.S. 'Don't give these foos any excuses to take advantage of you or call you criminals and thugs. Protest peacefully so you don't give these guys any reason to blame you. […] That's how you'll win.' The Guadalajara singer-songwriter urged his audience to reject violence and protest peacefully, particularly those facing hardships in L.A. Olvera, alongside Maná, have long been defenders of immigrants in the United States, often fostering solidarity during performances and beyond. // iconic Mexican artist shared his perspective on the realities facing immigrant communities during these challenging times, emphasizing unity and dignity as tools for overcoming adversity. 'One has to keep going and keep working, doing one's best to keep doing things with the utmost dignity and pride,' he expressed in a heartfelt video. Pepe Aguilar underscored the importance of remaining united, as he believes collective strength can help 'reverse any situation.' In line with his values, Aguilar offered a sneak peek at an unreleased song that captures the perspective of the immigrant experience. '[It is] a peaceful resistance with art, with memory, with culture, with tradition,' he said. 'It has to do with traditions, with Mexico, not forgetting where we come from and who we are.' // Pluma is taking action to support immigrant communities during a time of distress and fear. He shared a statement from Double P Records and Prajin Parlay on his Instagram story, providing information from organizations that help immigrants navigate these times of uncertainty (see links in the introduction). 'We are deeply heartbroken over what is happening in Los Angeles and all across the country. This country was built by our ancestors, hard working immigrants who came to this country to build a better life for us,' says the statement. 'As children of immigrants and immigrants ourselves, we know this struggle personally. We know the strength it takes to build a life, to sacrifice everything for a better future, and to keep moving forward even when the odds are stacked against you.' 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Malay Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Mexican band Los Tucanes fined US$36,000 for singing songs glorifying drug cartels at Chihuahua concert
MEXICO CITY, June 5 — A popular Mexican band has been fined more than US$36,000 for performing songs glorifying drug cartels, authorities in the northern city of Chihuahua announced Wednesday. At a Los Tucanes de Tijuana performance on Saturday, nearly a third of their songs were 'narcocorridos' glamorising drug traffickers, according to city official Pedro Oliva. The songs 'glorified crime or alluded to the perpetrators of illegal acts,' Oliva said in a television interview. Los Tucanes were banned from performing in their home city Tijuana from 2008 to 2023 for alleged shout outs to two drug traffickers during a concert. Several states across the country have imposed restrictions on the controversial subgenre of regional music, which is growing rapidly, even beyond Mexico's borders. Peso Pluma, who blends corridos with rap and hip-hop, was the seventh most-streamed artist in the world in 2024, according to Spotify. President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected the idea of banning 'narcocorridos,' preferring to launch a music competition 'for peace and against addictions' to counter the influence of drug culture among young people. Two months ago, the United States revoked the visas of the band Los Alegres del Barranco for showing images of a wanted drug lord during a concert. At the end of May, members of Grupo Firme cancelled a concert in the United States, saying their visas were under 'administrative review' by the US embassy. — AFP
Los Angeles Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Grupo Firme cancels appearance at La Onda festival, becoming latest international act to face visa issues
Grupo Firme was unable to show up for its previously planned June 1 set at Napa's La Onda festival. The Tijuana band announced the cancellation Friday afternoon on social media. 'Currently, the visas of Grupo Firme and the Music VIP [Entertainment] team are in an administrative process by the U.S. Embassy, a situation that makes it impossible for Grupo Firme's performance at La Onda Fest to go on as planned,' the band wrote in a statement posted on its Instagram stories. 'We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding and, above all else, the love from our U.S. fans.' Grupo Firme is the latest international musical act facing visa issues since President Trump took office for his second presidential term. Many of these have been música Mexicana artists. The group's news came only a week after Mexican singer Julión Álvarez postponed his May 24 show at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, after he claimed his work visa had been revoked. The 42-year-old musician alleged in a May 23 Instagram video that he had received the news of his work visa revocation that day, leaving him and his band unable to travel to Texas for their planned performance. He also claimed he didn't have a full sense of clarity regarding the ongoing status of his visa and was limited in what he could dispel about the situation. Also in May, Chicago's Michelada Fest, a Spanish-language music festival that had programmed several Latin American acts was canceled due to concerns over artists' visas. 'Due to the uncertainty surrounding artist visas and the rapidly changing political climate, we're no longer able to guarantee the full experience we had dreamed up for you with all your favorite artists,' the festival's organizers explained in a statement. 'Although we tried to push through, it became clear that we wouldn't be able to deliver the full lineup as planned.' The organizers would go on to write that, as an independent outfit, Michelada Fest 'can't afford to take on a big risk with so much uncertainty ahead.' Grupo Firme, Anitta, Danny Ocean, Tokischa and Luis R. Conriquez were scheduled to perform at the July festival. In early April, the U.S. State Department canceled the work and tourist visas of the members of the Mexican corrido band Los Alegres del Barranco after the group displayed photos of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes at its concert in Guadalajara, Mexico. During their March 29 show at the University of Guadalajara, the band put an illustrated depiction of Cervantes — a key player in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG — on a mega-screen while playing their song 'El Dueño del Palenque.' Videos of the incident were captured on social media. 'I'm pleased to announce that the State Department has revoked the band members' work and tourism visas. In the Trump Administration, we take seriously our responsibility over foreigners' access to our country,' said Christopher Landau, the U.S. deputy Secretary of State in April. 'The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists.' Outside of the world of Latino artists, British singer FKA twigs announced in April on Instagram that she had to cancel series of concerts for the month in North America — including a slot at Coachella 2025 — due to 'ongoing visa issues.'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Concerns at Napa's La Onda festival after musicians' visas revoked
The Brief The popular regional Mexican band Grupo Firme announced they had to cancel Sunday night's performance after the U.S. government suspended the musicians' visas. The State Department has revoked visas of several Mexican artists over music it says glorifies cartel violence. Festival goers say they're upset, with some calling the move political, while organizers say they're disappointed by the development. NAPA, Calif. - There are concerns over federal immigration policy at a Napa music festival this weekend. A couple of the bands, including a very popular group from Mexico, were forced to pull out of La Onda over problems with their visas. "This is what we come here for right here," said Alfonzo Robles of Santa Rosa. "It's just the music, the ambiance," said Maria Rangel of Reno, Nevada. Music fans were having a blast at Festival La Onda, which features all sorts of Latin music acts. "We are big fans of Carin Leon," said Rangel. But it's who didn't take the stage that's raising some eyebrows. The regional Mexican band Grupo Firme announced on Instagram they had to cancel Sunday night's performance, after the U.S. government suspended the musicians' visas. The backstory The State Department has revoked the visas of several Mexican artists over music it says glorifies cartel violence – though Grupo Firme has recently taken steps to distance themselves from that lyrical content. What they're saying "I think it's sad," said Guadalupe Torres of Carson City, Nevada. "We're very, very disappointed," said Robles. "We all paid for this. This is what we came here for. And now [Grupo Firme] can't be here because of some political reason," said Robles. The Mexican group La Receta also pulled out of La Onda over reported visa issues as well. "They're not stealing anything, they come here to work," said singer Vilma Diaz of the Colombian group Sonora Tropicana, which did perform at La Onda this weekend. Big picture view "Artists don't know how to navigate the system right now. There's a lot of roadblocks that pop up unexpectedly," said Alex Ashley, a musician and journalist for Rolling Stone. Ashley says he's concerned foreign artists will give up on even trying to come to festivals like this. "When artists cancel or when events get canceled, you've got local economies that miss out. You've got hotel bookings, fewer ticket sales, jobs that get lost," said Ashley. A few people KTVU spoke to at the festival say those same concerns over immigration policy may have kept some concertgoers home as well. Local perspective "I'm pretty sure maybe it did affect some people because people don't want to go out. People don't want to go anywhere, do anything because they're afraid of these persecutions," said Robles. "To all my people, please don't be afraid," said Diaz. Festival goers say all this underscores why gatherings like La Onda are so important. "I think this just gives people the confidence to be out here and just feel that they have a community behind them," said Rangel. In a statement, David Graham, partner with Festival La Onda, said festival organizers understand and share in the disappointment, but added that organizers and performers are still dedicated to putting on an unforgettable show. "We are obviously disappointed that Grupo Firme was not able to play the festival due to visa issues," Graham said. "Our fans have been enjoying over two dozen incredible artists that are performing over the weekend. These are unprecedented and challenging times, and we remain committed to providing a memorable experience for fans of La Onda." The Source Instagram post by Grupo Firme, statement from Festival La Onda organizers, and interviews conducted by KTVU reporter John Krinjak and producer Estefany Mendez
