MEXICO CITY – Two days before the release of her new album, musical icon Vivir Quintana found herself behind barbed wire in a women’s prison in Mexico. For the past decade, the singer has been an advocate for women who have been incarcerated for defending themselves against their abusers, resulting in the death of those attackers. These impactful narratives form the core of her latest album, “Cosas que Sorprenden a la Audiencia” (Things that Surprise the Audience), which was launched on Thursday.
The album revolves around the stories of ten women, presented through “corridos,” a genre of music long dominated by male artists. Quintana's decision to use this controversial form reflects her ambition to explore the complex aspects of gender-based violence. In an interview, the 40-year-old artist expressed her determination to provoke change rather than merely sell albums. “This album has a different heart,” she stated, presenting herself in her signature bright red boots and gray-streaked black hair. “It’s to change minds.”
With alarming rates of violence against women in Latin America—an average of ten women killed daily in Mexico according to human rights groups—the songs on Quintana's album aim to raise awareness about these grave issues. Many women portrayed in her corridos are confronted with charges of “excessive legitimate self-defense,” which sparks outrage across the nation. Quintana shared her own experience of fear and the struggle for self-defense, stating, “Now I live locked up in a prison, and I feel more free than I did in my own home.”
Quintana's dedication to amplifying women's voices has significantly boosted her career, particularly since her 2020 anthem “Canción Sin Miedo” (Song Without Fear) became a rallying cry for the feminist movement in Mexico and Latin America. Following her contributions to the Black Panther sequel in 2022, she was recognized at the Latin Grammys as one of four Leading Ladies of Entertainment.
Her new work showcases the potential of “corridos” to address serious social issues rather than glorifying violence or criminal behavior, a trend often seen in “narco corridos.” The U.S. even revoked the visas of members of a band that displayed a drug cartel boss during a performance, highlighting the controversy surrounding this genre. Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, has advocated for a new wave of corridos that do not celebrate violence or misogyny, promoting a more responsible approach to this traditional music style.
Quintana’s compositions pay homage to women who have been judged harshly by the justice system for defending their lives. The album's opening track, “Era Él o Era Yo” (It Was Either Him or Me), recounts the real-life story of Roxana Ruiz, who was sentenced to six years in prison for killing the man who was raping her. “This isn’t justice,” Ruiz expressed after the ruling, emphasizing her victimization. Public outcry eventually led to the withdrawal of charges against her.
Other stories in the album include that of a 14-year-old girl in Tabasco who killed her father to protect her mother and Yakiri Rubio, who was raped and later incarcerated for killing one of her attackers in self-defense. Quintana invested time in researching these cases by following local news, interviewing the women and their families to ensure their personalities shone through in her music.
Quintana's work aims to challenge the societal notion that women who defend themselves should be punished. She questioned the state’s priorities when it comes to valuing women’s lives, underlining the significance of joy and the right to artistry for these women. By shedding light on their stories, Quintana hopes to intertwine the harsh realities faced by Mexican women with a broader cultural discussion, promoting resilience and empowerment through her music.
