Enigma Norteño Pushes Forward After Tragic Death of Ernesto Barajas: ‘It’s Something We’re Sure He Would Have Wanted’

September 19 marked one month since the tragic death of Ernesto Barajas, the leader of the regional Mexican group Enigma Norteño, who was killed outside Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The musician had been working on a new project with his bandmates, who have decided to release the material as an EP and continue their two-decade-long career.

“We took some time to think and reflect on what happened, and we decided that, despite the irreparable loss of Ernesto, our career will continue,” says Humberto Pérez “Kirri,” bassist and founder of the norteña band, in an exclusive interview with Billboard Español. “It’s something we’re sure he would have wanted.”

“With great pain in our hearts, but full of strength, we will move forward with our musical project that we all worked so hard for,” adds Adán Hernández, bajo quinto player and the group’s backup vocalist.

Titled Las Que Más Nos Gustan and recorded just weeks before Barajas’ passing, the EP — set to be released on November 13 under the Fono label — is a collection of covers of hits by other regional Mexican artists, reimagined in Enigma Norteño’s signature style. The first single, a version of Banda El Recodo’s “La Mejor de Todas,” was released last Tuesday (Sep. 16) as a posthumous tribute to Barajas, who would have turned 39 that day.

The second single, a rendition of Duelo’s “Un Idiota Como Yo,” is set to drop on October 16. Other tracks on the album include “Ya Es Muy Tarde,” originally by La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho; “Fantasía,” a classic by Grupo Costumbre; “Voy a Pintar Mi Raya” by Banda Arkángel R-15; and “Derecho de Antigüedad” by La Original Banda El Limón.

As previously reported by Billboard Español, the regional Mexican genre was in mourning following the murder of Barajas on August 19, leaving the future of Enigma Norteño uncertain. However, the group — known for its narcocorridos like “El Flaquito,” “Quemándose un Gallito (El Rambo)” and “El Chicken Little (El 09)” — has confirmed that not only will it move forward with their planned EP, but the members are also preparing for an upcoming tour, which will feature special guests to be announced soon.

“From now on, our mission will be to take the next step, just as Ernesto always wanted: to bring our music to every corner of Mexico, the United States, and wherever possible,” says Conín Camacho, the group’s drummer. “This will be a tribute, carrying his essence in every performance.”