A journey through the nineties with Karol G is what I felt when I first heard the song “Someone Who Loved You,” a track that is generating a lot of talk within the Tejano music industry or what currently exists of it. And those of us who lived our adolescence and youth in the nineties know that that was a golden era for Tejano artists.
Although the music of this style, and one might even say genre, comes from many years back, such as the unforgettable groups of which we can still remember and even know several songs by heart.
Perhaps not all of us are experts in Tejano music, but we do know the music of dozens of artists who managed to become favorites of the crowds that attended the nineties dances.
I emphasize the 1990s, because those were glorious years for artists who carried the unique rhythm that makes Tejano music reach international stages. Many perhaps have reference to Selena, but before her there were many, and likewise after. If we count, we remember Grupo Mazz, Ram Herrera, Jay Pérez, not to mention the iconic Little Joe or Emilio Navaira. Before Selena there was Laura Canales and, in the Reina del Tex-Mex generation, singers like Shelly Lares and Elida Reyna; we cannot overlook the work that Jennifer Peña and Elsa García did, which is also a reference.
After the years of popularity in live performances and a boom on radio stations, came the era of ‘lean years,’ that is, popularity declined in a broad market and Tejano was reduced to dances in medium-sized or small ballrooms.
With pain for many we watched the Tejano movement fade away, although I myself am a witness that at local festivals and dances it remains present and with a good number of followers. However, the mainstream that artists like La Mafia once had has ended, though today they are among those who continue to stand out.
If we fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, when Karol G, who has always declared herself an admirer of Selena and who had already flirted with cumbia, released the track in which she collaborated with Pete Astudillo, the mastermind of Selena’s hits alongside AB Quintanilla. Just by seeing his name we already know what was sought and we still do not know what will be achieved, taking into account that the Colombian singer is a world-class artist.
In my opinion, I am sure that I will hear again the sound that nostalgia brings us on stages around the world. While many protest this song, for me it is a door and not just any door, a giant gateway for Tejano music, for new and old generations.
It is a starting point that, if used positively, can benefit an entire market, but that if not, perhaps is a lost opportunity. It surprised me, but at the same time I could listen to this track; I hope that really, with this composition and with Astudillo’s magic, Tejano music returns to the eye of more audiences.
I emphasize that this is only my opinion, based on the experience in what the Tejano music world is, always respecting the opinions of others.
What do you think?
