Introduction
On August 19, 2025, Ernesto Barajas, the lead vocalist and founder of Enigma Norteño, was assassinated in Zapopan, Jalisco, a city within the Guadalajara metropolitan area in Mexico. His death brings a fresh wave of grief and concern across the U.S., where Enigma Norteño had amassed a considerable fanbase. This article explores who Barajas was, the circumstances of his death, the history of narcocorridos, and the ripple effects his loss may have within the regional Mexican music community and among U.S. audiences.
Who Was Ernesto Barajas?
Born on September 16, 1986, in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Ernesto Barajas co-founded Enigma Norteño in 2004, when he was just 18 years old WikipediaEl Financieroinfobae. He was not only the band’s vocalist, but also its bassist, producer, and composer, taking a hands-on role in shaping the group’s creative direction
Enigma Norteño is widely recognized among fans of regional Mexican music—both in Mexico and the U.S.—for its hard-hitting narcocorridos, a subgenre of corrido music that narrates stories about organized crime and its protagonists. Some of their most emblematic songs include “Mayito Gordo,” “Los lujos del R,” “Quemándose un Gallito (El Rambo),” “Chavo Félix,” and “El Ondeado.” These tracks contributed heavily to their popularity on streaming platforms—reportedly amassing over 4 million monthly listeners on Spotify El PaísEl EconomistaEl Financiero.
In addition to music, Barajas extended his influence through digital media. He hosted a popular podcast titled “Puntos de Vista,” where he interviewed fellow artists from the regional Mexican music scene, including Carín León, Gabito Ballesteros, and Eduin Caz of Grupo Firme, among others
The U.S. Link: Why American Audiences Care
Streaming & Radio
Enigma Norteño enjoyed a strong following in the U.S., with their songs featured on Latin music radio and digital platforms. Their influence expanded far beyond Mexico, resonating deeply with fans of regional styles, especially among the Mexican-American diaspora
Podcast & Digital Engagement
Barajas’s “Puntos de Vista” podcast was followed by fans on both sides of the border. The series created an intimate space to explore music, media, and Mexican reality—enhancing Barajas’s visibility among U.S. listeners who value regional music beyond just the songs.
