The binational contest Mexico Sings for Peace and Against Addiction has now confirmed all 24 semifinalists representing the United States, following the addition of eight participants from the Central U.S. region. This initiative, promoted by the Government of Mexico as part of the National Security Strategy, supports young musical talents committed to promoting peace and rejecting the glorification of crime.
The Ministry of Culture reported that the new semifinalists developed their projects professionally at Studio 15, founded by Ricky Muñoz, lead singer of the band Intocable—an artist known for his successful career free from violent themes. This stage reaffirms the contest’s mission to offer creative opportunities that promote positive identities among youth.
During her morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized that Mexico Sings is part of the «Addressing Root Causes» pillar, aimed at preventing young people from seeing criminal groups as a life option. “Every day, we work to ensure that no young person takes that path. We want to build a country where culture, education, and the arts open doors to the future,” she said.
Sheinbaum also highlighted that the federal government has created 37,500 new seats in upper secondary education and continues to support the Youth Building the Future program as part of a comprehensive national strategy to serve young people across Mexico.
The Central U.S. semifinalists are: 2MX2, Isaías González, Manuel Luna, Dama Morr, Edith González, William Zepeda, Lola Baqui, and Carolina Imperial. They join participants from other U.S. regions in the semifinals, which begin August 17.
It was also announced that consumption of regional Mexican music with non-violent lyrics increased by 25% from 2024 to 2025, making it the second most-played genre globally. According to Minister of Culture Claudia Curiel de Icaza, this trend reflects a collective movement—driven by artists, producers, and civil society—to reconnect with cultural roots and promote new musical content.
