MEXICO CITY – Legendary Mexican pop-rock band Maná has made a bold statement by removing their 2016 collaboration with reggaeton sensation Nicky Jam from all online platforms. This decision came after Nicky Jam publicly voiced his support for Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump.
In an Instagram post, the band declared, “Maná does not work with racists,” asserting their unwavering commitment to the rights and dignity of the Latino community. The controversial song, “De pies a cabeza,” a remix of their 1992 hit, was a part of their iconic album ”¿Dónde jugarán los niños?”
Maná’s dedication to advocating for Latino rights spans over three decades, with a firm belief that no business or promotion is more valuable than the respect and integrity of their people.
The story took a comical turn when Trump, hosting a rally in Las Vegas, mistakenly referred to Nicky Jam as a woman. Despite the mix-up, the singer openly embraced his encounter with Trump, known for his stringent anti-immigrant stance.
Throughout their illustrious career, Maná has been a vocal supporter of migrant rights in the United States. Their lead vocalist, Fher Olvera, reiterated their commitment to this cause when receiving the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year award in 2018.
Despite the controversy, Maná remains an iconic figure in Latin music, with numerous accolades including six Latin Grammys and four Grammys. They are revered as one of the most influential bands in Latin America, with a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In solidarity with Maná, several artists have also distanced themselves from Trump, refusing to associate their music with his campaigns. The list includes ABBA, The White Stripes, Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Phil Collins, Pharrell, R.E.M., and Guns N’ Roses.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.