The United Kingdom’s ambassador, Jon Benjamin, joined a Sinaloan music band in Mazatlán, demonstrating his appreciation for the local culture.
The United Kingdom’s ambassador to Mexico, Jon Benjamin, was left with a positive impression of the coastal city of Mazatlán during a visit he had a few days ago, where he had the opportunity to join a Sinaloan music band on the local beaches.
This unexpected foray of the British diplomat into the regional music scene is causing a stir on social media and has revitalized the debate about the presence of banda music in public spaces.
The visit of the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Mazatlán took place on April 8th, in order to observe the total solar eclipse, where he saw the opportunity to show his appreciation for banda music and did not miss it.
Ambassador joins the band in Mazatlán
In a gesture that surprised many, Jon Benjamin not only praised banda music but also joined a local band to play the tambora on the beaches of Mazatlán. In a video shared by the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Mexico on social media, the diplomat can be seen enjoying the music and playing along with the local musicians.
In the video’s description, it reads: “Brits love Sinaloan banda music!” Jon Benjamin expressed his enthusiasm for being able to enjoy this emblematic musical genre of the region on the beaches of Mazatlán. His participation was not only a demonstration of respect for Mexican culture but also a gesture of solidarity with local musicians and a response to those who have criticized this type of cultural expression.
This news comes amid controversy sparked by the proposal to restrict the presence of regional musicians on the beaches, arguing potential disturbances for tourists, mainly from the United States.
In a post on his X account, Benjamin wrote: “Playing here with a Sinaloan band on the beach in Mazatlán. I cordially invite Mr. Ernesto Coppel to join me as a vocalist!”
Celebrating Sinaloan musical identity
This unexpected participation of the British ambassador coincides with the proposal in the Chamber of Deputies to establish the “National Day of Sinaloan Tambora Band Music” every July 1st.
The initiative, driven by Deputy Jesús Fernando García Hernández of the Labor Party (PT), aims to promote Mexican identity and highlight the cultural importance of banda music in the region.
According to García Hernández, Sinaloan banda music is a representative mosaic of the cultural expressions of the region, which has transcended national borders to become a fundamental element of Mexican culture.
The proposal, which was referred to the Committee on Governance and Population for consideration, aims to protect and promote the cultural heritage of Sinaloa and Mexico.
Foreigners want to change Mexican customs and traditions
The process of gentrification currently happening in Mexico has consequences on the social fabric of communities. Emerging tensions have been observed between original residents and newcomers, as well as conflicts between commercial interests and values rooted in the community.
An example is seen in Mazatlán, where newly arrived foreigners have demanded the regulation of banda music, a culturally rooted tradition for decades, thus generating friction and discord in the community.
Additionally, other incidents have fueled public concern and outrage. In Durango, there was a reported case of a foreigner who allegedly rented a public viewpoint to witness a solar eclipse, going as far as prohibiting access to local residents, which sparked a wave of outrage.
These incidents underscore the complexity and negative implications of gentrification, where individual and commercial interests may clash with the rights and values rooted in local communities.
Would you like to see another foreign diplomat play banda music in Sinaloa?
Sources: Luz Noticias, Yahoo!, Infobae, Excelsior
