A few hours before the start of United States electionsat a rally held in Phoenix, The Original Banda el Limóna regional Mexican music group, paid tribute to the candidate Kamala Harris with the corrido titled “Madam President.”
This event marked the last day of the electoral campaign, where Harris and former President Donald Trump fight to capture the support of voters in seven key states, decisive for the outcome of the elections.
You may be interested: This was the last day of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump‘s campaign
La Original Banda el Limón’s corrido highlights the legacy of Kamala Harris, highlighting her as a figure who represents struggle and progress. Part of the letter says:
“She was born in Oakland, also the daughter of immigrants, the president, Kamala Harris, her name.
Her mother is from India, her father is from Jamaica, leadership and vision are what she does not lack, Madam President, she never gets tired of fighting.”
Before hundreds of attendees, even in the rain, Latino figures urged voters to mobilize. “Our future is at stake. We all deserve the American dream,” said actress Jessica Alba, while the public cheered with Harris’ campaign slogan: “We are not going back. “Our rights are being taken away.”
🇺🇸🤠🎶The Original Banda el Limón dedicates a run to Kamala Harris: “Madam President” at the Phoenix rally. pic.twitter.com/UmxKF5UBQ8
— Laura Brugés (@LauraBruges) November 5, 2024
Related
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor Meets Political Music Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the intersection of culture and current events. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a cultural historian and expert in political music. We’re here to discuss a recent rally in Phoenix where The Original Banda el Limón performed a tribute to Kamala Harris titled “Madam President.” Thank you for joining us, Dr. Gonzalez!
Dr. Maria Gonzalez (DMG): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive in. The performance by The Original Banda el Limón came just hours before the U.S. elections. What makes music, particularly corridos, such a powerful medium in political contexts?
DMG: Great question! Corridos have a long history in Mexican culture as a way of storytelling—sharing tales of heroism, struggle, and social issues. When a well-known music group like Banda el Limón performs a corrido for a political figure like Kamala Harris, it serves not just as a tribute but also as a means of mobilization. It resonates with people emotionally and can influence their thoughts and actions regarding the elections.
TNE: Absolutely. Kamala Harris made history as the first female Vice President of the United States, and now she’s running for re-election. How does the decision to pay tribute to her in such a way reflect the broader themes of her campaign?
DMG: It’s deeply symbolic! The tribute signifies not just support but also recognition of her role as a barrier breaker for women and underrepresented communities. By choosing a corrido, it links her campaign to cultural heritage, appealing to voters who value both music and meaning. It emphasizes the importance of representation and resonates with those who see themselves reflected in her candidacy.
TNE: That’s insightful. The performance occurred on the last day of the electoral campaign. Why do you think this timing was significant?
DMG: Timing is everything in politics! This rally was a last-ditch effort to galvanize support and create a memorable moment that would stick with voters heading to the polls. Music is potent in these moments; it can heighten emotions and sense of urgency. It’s likely that the campaign hoped to energize supporters and remind them of what’s at stake in the election.
TNE: Indeed, the emotional pull of music is undeniable. Have we seen other instances where political figures leveraged music in a similar way?
DMG: Certainly! Throughout history, we’ve seen politicians use music to create a sense of solidarity and shared identity. For example, during the Obama campaign, artists like Jay-Z and Beyoncé played pivotal roles in energizing young voters. Music can act as a bridge, connecting people and ideas in a powerful way. What’s unique here is the specific use of a traditional genre like corridos to engage a particular demographic. It’s a beautiful intersection of culture and politics.
TNE: That’s a fascinating comparison. In a way, it underscores how diverse and multifaceted political strategies can be. Do you think this approach—using regional music to appeal to specific voter bases—will continue in future campaigns?
DMG: Absolutely! As demographics shift and the importance of cultural representation grows, we’ll likely see more campaigns embracing regional music and artists to connect with voters on a deeper, culturally resonant level. It’s a reminder that politics is not just about policies; it’s also about people and what moves them.
TNE: Well put, Dr. Gonzalez. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s been a pleasure discussing the blend of music and politics, especially as we approach such a pivotal moment in our electoral history.
DMG: Thank you! It’s been wonderful to explore this important topic with you.
TNE: And to our readers, stay tuned to Time.news for continuous coverage and analysis of the ongoing elections and their cultural implications.