Maná Cuts Ties with Nicky Jam Over Trump Support
In a significant move reflecting the intersection of music and politics, the iconic Mexican band Maná has announced the removal of their collaboration with reggaeton star Nicky Jam from all digital platforms. This decision comes after Jam publicly expressed his support for former President Donald Trump during a political rally in Las Vegas, Nevada. The band, known for its strong advocacy for Latino rights, stated unequivocally, "Maná does not work with racists," emphasizing their commitment to the dignity of the Latino community.
The song, titled "De pies a cabeza," which was released in August 2016 and reached number one on Billboard's Latin Airplay chart, has been a notable success for both artists. However, the political climate has created irreparable rifts, prompting Maná to take a stand against Jam's endorsement of Trump, who has been criticized for his anti-immigrant rhetoric and divisive policies. In their statement, Maná reiterated their mission to support and defend the rights of Latinos, declaring that no business or collaboration is worth more than their principles.
Political Polarization in Latin Music
The controversy surrounding Jam's support for Trump has sparked discussions about political polarization within the Latin music community. Nicky Jam, whose real name is Nick Rivera Caminero, referred to meeting Trump as an "honor" and urged attendees at the rally to vote for the former president, further aligning himself with Trump's controversial policies. This has placed him alongside other Latin artists, such as Anuel AA and Justin Quiles, who have similarly expressed support for the Republican candidate.
The situation escalated when Trump mistakenly referred to Jam as "Nicki" during the rally, a blunder that quickly went viral, adding embarrassment to an already contentious moment. Following the backlash, Jam deleted a post featuring Trump from his social media, although it remains unclear if this was a direct response to Maná's actions.
Maná's decision to withdraw their song highlights the broader cultural and political debates impacting the music industry today. With a history of supporting Democratic candidates and advocating for immigration reform, the band’s stance reflects a growing divide among artists regarding their political affiliations and the impact of those affiliations on their careers.
