Colombian musicians found dead in Mexico after vanishing

In Mexico, Colombian rapper Bayron Sanchez, known as B King, and DJ Jorge Herrera have been found dead days after their disappearance during a tour. The two musicians went missing on September 16, 2023, with initial sightings indicating they were last seen leaving a gym in an upscale area of Mexico City. Their manager had suspected they were kidnapped, noting they failed to respond to messages after leaving for lunch. Following a search, their bodies were discovered by authorities on September 17, with conditions of their deaths remaining unexplained but sparking outrage and speculation. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro condemned the circumstances surrounding the musicians’ deaths, blaming “multinational mafias” and the failures of U.S. drug policies. He criticized American drug consumption, linking it to rising violence in South America, a point echoed in his call for collaboration with Mexican authorities. The Mexican officials initiated investigations while facing pressure from both nations to address violence against artists, which has become alarmingly frequent. Just weeks prior, Colombian musicians have suffered from similar violence, with incidents highlighting a broader issue of music industry professionals being targeted in regions rife with drug cartel activity. The FBI data suggests over 120,000 people are currently missing in Mexico, a country struggling with a surge of cartel violence dramatically affecting its cultural landscape. Following the news, many took to social media to pay their respects, reflecting a community united in mourning but frustrated with the lack of security. The tragic fate of Bayron Sanchez and Jorge Herrera signals a critical concern about artist safety in Mexico and highlights the grotesque relationship between the entertainment industry and organized crime. Various artists have been increasingly vocal about their fears in this hostile environment as the music scene tries to navigate public performance amidst threats of violence. Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s criticisms of drug policies and calls for accountability mark a growing acknowledgment of the interconnected global drug trade that extends beyond borders.