Confluencenter Hosts Scholar Juan Carlos Ramirez-Pimienta for Insightful Webinar on Narcocorridos
Tucson, AZ — The Confluencenter for Creative Inquiry hosted a virtual webinar in January featuring renowned scholar Juan Carlos Ramirez-Pimienta, who explored the evolution and cultural significance of narcocorridos.
Joined by Confluencenter Director Javier Duran, the discussion examined the popularity of this subgenre and its reflection of Mexican culture on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. The event was a collaboration with the Binational Migration Institute, the Confluencenter’s Mellon-Fronteridades program.
More than 100 participants attended the event, titled “From Los Tigres del Norte to Peso Pluma: The Rise of Narcocorridos.” The webinar delved into how narcocorridos have become a powerful cultural expression, especially in communities affected by migration, organized crime, and the complex cultural dynamics of the border.
“Narcocorridos have become a very visible cultural manifestation of transnational popular culture,” said Javier Duran, Director of the Confluencenter. “We’re excited to welcome one of the foremost experts on the topic to help shed light on a subject that is both timely and highly relevant to our communities.”
Dr. Ramirez-Pimienta, a professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at San Diego State University-Imperial Valley, is recognized for his expertise in Mexican popular culture, particularly narcocorridos. He has authored three books on the genre and frequently contributes his insights to media outlets discussing the intersections of violence, music, and organized crime.
Dr. Ramirez-Pimienta addresses in the webinar the ways narcocorridos have evolved over the years, highlighting their global rise and cultural significance. “Narcocorridos are a form of storytelling that transcends borders, giving voice to those who have historically been marginalized,” he explained. “They reflect the experiences of communities caught between two worlds.”
Some renowned artists mentioned throughout the talk were Los Tigres del Norte, Chalino Sanchez, Natanael Cano, Peso Pluma, Jenni Rivera and more. These artists are part of shaping the genre's international influence. As more listeners across the globe embrace these musical narratives, corridos continue to spark conversations about identity and culture.
The webinar’s wide-reaching impact was evident in the robust engagement from attendees, who participated in a lively Q&A session. “We are grateful for the continued support of our partners at the UA Binational Migration Institute and the Mellon Foundation, whose collaboration makes these vital discussions possible,” Duran said.
If you missed the conversation, we’ve linked it here for you to watch. Including a playlist, we created for the day of our event.