There is very little left for The Viña del Mar Festival was held, the Chilean music festival calling itself “the largest Latin festival in the world.” This edition will feature artists of great relevance and popularity such as Miranda, Anitta, Featherweight, Alexander Sanz, Maria Calf, Manuel Turizo, among others.
However, this year the Festival has seen nothing but controversy: From different sectors of Chilean society they seek to cancel the presentation of Peso Pluma since they consider that its music is an apology for drug trafficking.
The scandal gained great relevance this week when the sociologist and political analyst Alberto Mayol published a column in the BioBioChile media titled: “Featherweight in Viña: Sometimes you have to listen to the voice of the drug trafficker.”
“Do not forget, On March 1, on the screens of the State channel, we will hear the voice of the drug trafficker. It’s just so we can get used to it, I guess. But of course, Nobody wants to go against Featherweight because he is famous, because removing him from the festival may be contrary to electoral logic., because the young vote can be lost. The sociologist’s writing begins.
“It is not that the artist makes objective narratives of daily Mexican life, telling among other stories some narco story. It’s not that. In the songs the narco life is epically praised” described Mayol.
Even some sectors of the government have criticized the Mexican singer. “The Government does not censor in the slightest, but it is certainly concerned and does not like the promotion of drug culture and does everything possible to prevent this from happening” said the Minister of the Interior and Security, Carolina Tohá.
The response of the organizing committee of the Viña del Mar Festival
In a statement published on the networks the organizing committee of the Viña del Mar Festival, made up of the municipality of said city and the channels TVN and channel 13, reported that the singer from Jalisco will appear on the scheduled date.
«After the controversy generated in reference to the participation of Peso Pluma in the next edition of the contest, the organization of the Viña del Mar International Festival affirms that it will not incur any type of censorship or discrimination. The largest Latin Festival in the world, celebrates the diversity of all the artists who set foot on this outstanding stage. Music is universal and describes different realities» the publication begins.
Then, they highlight some of the young artist’s most important achievements. “International media such as Time through TIME 100 Next 2023, highlighted Peso Pluma as a musical phenomenon that transcends borders, fusing genres and bringing the richness of regional Mexican music to global audiences. Besides, Forbes recognized him as one of its ‘young leaders’ in the annual ’30 under 30′ list.. read the statement.
“Viña del Mar also recognizes the phenomenon of new musical genres and hopes for a successful six-night closing where the music and talent of the different artists will continue to be the pillar of the largest Latin festival in the world.” concluded the commission.
For his part, sociologist Alberto Mayol reacted negatively to the news. «Drug trafficking has defeated us with the resources it has: violence and money. AND He has won us with the help of the State, with its resources and authorities, promoting drug trafficking with public resources.” he said on his X (Twitter) account.