Mexican singer-songwriter, activist and former teacher Vivir Quintana stands as one of the most powerful voices in contemporary Latin American music.
This week, she unveiled her latest single, “Era él o era yo,” (“It Was Either Him Or Me”), a haunting composition in the style of a traditional Mexican “corrido” — a narrative song, a form of ballad, that tells a story, often about historical events, social issues or the lives of ordinary people — that tells the real-life story of a woman who ends up in prison after defending herself against an aggressor who threatened her life.
The single is part of Quintana’s newest album, “Cosas que sorprenden a la audiencia” (“Things that Surprise the Audience”), which features 10 corridos based on true stories of women who, after defending themselves or resisting gender-based violence, were criminalized by the judicial system and sentenced to time in various detention centers throughout Mexico.
Quintana’s corridos provoke deep reflection and empathy, calling into question prevailing notions of justice and sparking conversations about whether a woman should lose her freedom for choosing to survive amid extreme violence.
Last year, Quintana was named one of the “Leading Ladies of Entertainment” by the Latin Recording Academy. In the announcement, the academy said:
“Mexican singer/songwriter Vivir Quintana is one of her generation’s most beautiful and powerful voices. Her songs blend folk, regional and ranchera music with lyrics full of freedom, love and poetry. Millions of women have adopted her ‘Canción Sin Miedo’ as a global feminist anthem, making it one of the most translated protest songs in the world.”
To further amplify its message, “Era él o era yo” is accompanied by a music video directed by David Pablos and starring renowned Mexican actress Fernanda Castillo. In the video, Castillo is joined by a group of dancers in a moving choreographed performance. Each movement is a metaphor expressing struggle, confinement, fear and above all the pain and dignity of a woman who refuses to die in submission.
Quintana’s corridos provoke deep reflection and empathy, calling into question prevailing notions of justice and sparking conversations about whether a woman should lose her freedom for choosing to survive amid extreme violence.
With this new composition, Quintana continues to affirm her role as an essential voice in denouncing systemic violence — particularly gender-based violence — while using her talent to amplify the stories of women who have survived these injustices.
Through her music, Quintana creates a space for empathy, awareness and for the voices that have long been silenced to finally be heard.
Check out the music video below.
