The Government of Mexico, through the Ministry of Culture, announced that registration remains open for the binational contest Mexico Sings for Peace and Against Addiction, aimed at young people between the ages of 18 and 34 who seek to promote a new musical narrative free from glorification of violence and drug use. Registration will close on May 30 at www.mexicocanta.gob.mx.
To date, 10,415 young people have signed up: 8,017 from Mexico and 2,398 from the United States. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo praised the response to this cultural initiative, highlighting that the goal is to promote peace, love, and emerging talent through music. “It’s a collective action to change the violent narrative and highlight our musical identity,” she stated.
Culture Secretary Claudia Curiel de Icaza noted that most Mexican participants are from the State of Mexico, Mexico City, Jalisco, Puebla, and Nuevo León, while U.S. registrations are concentrated in California, Texas, and North Carolina. The contest includes three categories: singer-songwriter, performer, and songwriter, with the majority (over 5,500) identifying as singer-songwriters.
In terms of musical genres, more than 2,400 banda tracks, 2,300 norteño songs, and over 1,100 entries in other styles have been submitted. Innovative genre fusions have also emerged, blending pop, rap, hip-hop, rock, jazz, reggae, and electronic music. Around 61% of participants are between the ages of 24 and 29, reflecting the generation’s commitment to creating change through art.
Once the registration period ends, the first selection phase will take place from May 31 to July 4 through the digital platform. A total of 365 participants will be chosen: 10 from each Mexican state and 15 per U.S. region. Starting August 17, regional rounds will be held in person and broadcast every Sunday via public media channels.
