Maná Pulls Nicky Jam Collab After He Endorses Trump: Band ‘Doesn’t Work With Racists’

The recent political landscape has created significant ripples across various industries, including the music world. One of the most notable incidents involves the Mexican rock band Maná and reggaeton star Nicky Jam. Their collaboration on the song ‘De Pies a Cabeza’ was removed from all streaming platforms after Nicky Jam publicly endorsed Donald Trump. This decision by Maná underscores their long-standing commitment to supporting Latino rights and opposing any form of racism. The band’s lead singer, Fher Olvera, made it clear that Maná does not work with racists, a statement that resonates deeply with their fan base and the broader Latino community.

Maná’s decision to pull the song is rooted in their 30-year history of advocating for the rights of Latinos around the world. They have consistently used their platform to champion democratic causes, immigration reform, and other issues affecting the Latino community. By removing their collaboration with Nicky Jam, they are making a powerful statement about their values and the importance of standing up for the dignity of their people. This move also highlights the growing political divide within the music industry, where artists’ political stances can significantly impact their professional relationships and collaborations.

The controversy began when Nicky Jam joined Donald Trump onstage at a rally in Las Vegas. During the event, Trump mistakenly referred to Nicky Jam as a ‘hot’ woman, which led to widespread mockery and criticism online. Despite the gaffe, Nicky Jam expressed his honor to meet Trump and endorsed him, a decision that surprised many of his fans and fellow artists. This endorsement was particularly shocking given Nicky Jam’s previous support for DACA recipients and his condemnation of Trump’s actions in 2018, which he described as racist.

In response to Nicky Jam’s endorsement of Trump, Maná swiftly removed their song from all digital platforms. The song, a new version of their 1992 classic ‘De Pies a Cabeza,’ had accumulated over 120 million streams on Spotify before its removal. This action by Maná is seen as a direct statement against Trump’s policies and stance on immigration, which they have openly criticized over the years. In 2016, Fher Olvera called Trump a racist, and in 2020, the band celebrated Joe Biden’s win with a post promoting unity and kindness.

The backlash against Nicky Jam’s endorsement of Trump was not limited to Maná. Many of his fans expressed disappointment and disapproval, particularly those who supported his previous advocacy for DACA recipients. Adrian Escárate, a former DACA recipient featured in a 2018 video with Nicky Jam, called out the singer for using him to promote his music and then selling out their community. This sentiment was echoed by other Dreamers and immigration activists, who felt betrayed by Nicky Jam’s sudden shift in political stance.

The tension within the Latino music community is further highlighted by the fact that other artists, such as Anuel AA and Justin Quiles, have also shown support for Trump. This divide illustrates the complex relationship between artistic values and political beliefs, where endorsements can lead to significant professional and personal repercussions. For Maná, their decision to remove the collaboration with Nicky Jam is a reaffirmation of their commitment to standing against racism and supporting their community.

Nicky Jam’s endorsement of Trump has also sparked discussions about the role of celebrity endorsements in politics. While some celebrities, like Martha Stewart and Taylor Swift, have publicly supported Kamala Harris, others, including Hulk Hogan and Kid Rock, have endorsed Trump. These endorsements can influence public opinion and voter behavior, but they also come with risks, as seen in Nicky Jam’s case. The backlash and criticism he faced highlight the potential consequences of aligning with controversial political figures.

Despite the controversy, Nicky Jam has not officially updated his stance on Trump. He initially joked about the gaffe on Instagram but later deleted the post and disabled comments on his recent posts. This silence has left many of his fans and critics wondering about his true political beliefs and whether he will reconsider his support for Trump. The incident also raises questions about the authenticity of celebrity endorsements and the motivations behind them.

Maná’s decision to pull their collaboration with Nicky Jam is a reminder of the power of music as a platform for social and political change. By taking a stand against racism and supporting their community, Maná is using their influence to promote values of inclusivity and justice. This move also serves as a call to action for other artists to consider the impact of their political stances and the importance of aligning their professional actions with their personal values.

The controversy surrounding Nicky Jam’s endorsement of Trump and Maná’s response is a reflection of the broader cultural and political debates happening in society. As the music industry continues to navigate these complex issues, the actions of artists like Maná set a precedent for how to use their platform responsibly and ethically. Their unwavering commitment to supporting Latino rights and standing against racism serves as an example for others to follow.

In conclusion, the decision by Maná to remove their collaboration with Nicky Jam from streaming platforms is a significant moment in the intersection of music and politics. It highlights the importance of standing up for one’s values and the impact that political endorsements can have on professional relationships. As the music industry continues to grapple with these issues, the actions of artists like Maná will play a crucial role in shaping the future of artistic expression and political activism. This incident serves as a reminder that music is not just a form of entertainment but also a powerful tool for social change.

The removal of ‘De Pies a Cabeza’ from streaming platforms is a testament to Maná’s dedication to their principles and their willingness to take bold actions in support of their community. It also underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities of navigating the intersection of art and politics. As artists continue to use their platforms to advocate for social justice, the music industry will undoubtedly see more instances where political beliefs and professional collaborations intersect, leading to both conflicts and opportunities for positive change.