How did Enigma Norteño rise to fame? Band's career explored following lead singer Ernesto Barajas' tragic death at 38

Mexican band Enigma Norteño’s founder and lead vocalist, Ernesto Barajas, has been shot dead at the age of 38. The incident occurred at a car repair shop in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, on August 19, 2025, according to a report in Remezcla.

The reports stated that the singer was killed in the Arenales Tapatíos neighborhood of Zapopan. He was reportedly accompanied by a woman when two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire. Photos and videos from the killing have been circulated online, which have filled Bajaras’ fans with remorse over his sudden death.

The band, Enigma Norteño, was formed in Culiacán, Sinaloa, by Humberto Pérez and Ernesto Barajas. They gained international fame in 2010 with the release of singles titled El Ondeado (M1) and Aunque Sea en Silencio (Cuatro Paredes). These songs became popular in both Mexico and the US.

Exploring Enigma Norteño

Enigma Norteño was formed in 2004 and quickly rose to fame in the Mexican and narcocorrido genres. Its members consisted of Alonso Hernández, Conin Camacho, Adán Hernández, Freddy Hernández, Humberto Pérez, and Barajas.

The Mexican group gradually became known for hits like Mayito Gordo and Los Lujos del R; however, it was also a subject of controversy with its connection to organized crime.

The recent killing of Ernesto Barajas is said to be the result of settling scores, which is linked to rival cartels, according to MixVale. The singer was reportedly shot at a car storage facility in the Arenales Tapatíos neighborhood, Zapopan.

Once the band was formed, Ernesto Barajas took roles as vocalist, bassist, producer, and director. They released their first independent album, El Jardinero, in 2004, followed by their commercial breakthrough with Infiel in 2008. Chavo Felix, El Ondeado M1, and El Mayito Gordo are some of its other hit tracks.

Ever since their start, the band has collaborated with artists such as Regulo Caro, Grupo Codiciado, Alfredo Olivas, Grupo Firme, and Fuerza Regida, as per Remezcla. Before his death, Ernesto Barajas was busy with the promotions of his latest single, Hello Kitty, with Edgardo Nuñez.

Enigma Norteño was reportedly threatened via a nacromanta signed by the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) a couple of years back. Following the threat, they had eventually had to cancel their performance at the Feria de Rosarito 2023 in Baja California, Mexico. The nacromanta read:

“Ernesto Barajas, lead singer of Enigma Norteño, stop feeling protected by the sisters Aquiles and Rana. You’re not going to come here and sing corridos about your flag. Baja has an owner. Sincerely, CJNG.”

However, this was not the first time the band was threatened. In 2017, a similar threat in Tijuana warned the artists in the genre to avoid certain odd corridos. Reports stated that due to the threats, Ernesto Barajas moved from Culiacán to Guadalajara, where he was fatally killed on August 19, 2025.

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