The murder of Juan Carlos Santiago Galván, better known in the music industry as “AfroSan”, has once again set off alarm bells about the dangerous intersection between the narcocorrido genre and organized crime in Mexico.
The leader of the AfroSan y sus Centenarios group was shot in the head on the night of February 10 in the Tláhuac district of Mexico City, an event that resonates strongly among the migrant community in the United States, the main consumer and promoter of this musical genre.
What is known about the murder of AfroSan in Tláhuac?
View this post on Instagram
The crime occurred in the Olivos neighborhood, an area historically disputed by local factions.
According to official reports from the Mexico City District Attorney’s Office, Santiago Galván left his home to buy drinks at a nearby store.
On the public road, he had a verbal argument with a subject not yet fully identified.
The altercation escalated quickly: the assailant drew a firearm and fired directly at the singer’s head.
Although emergency services immediately transported him to a peripheral hospital, medical efforts were in vain; the impact was lethal.
So far, authorities have reported the arrest of two suspects, who are being questioned to determine whether this was a spontaneous brawl or, as suggested by the lines of investigation, a planned settling of scores.
Dangerous Links: Between “El Ojos” and Union Tepito
View this post on Instagram
For the U.S. Hispanic reader, understanding AfroSan’s persona requires looking beyond his 42,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
The artist not only performed corridos; his lyrics were detailed chronicles of the operations of the Tláhuac Cartel.
He is credited with compositions dedicated to the children of Felipe de Jesús Pérez Luna, “El Ojos”, the founding leader of the cartel who was killed in 2017.
The relevance of this case lies in the “geopolitics of the corrido”.
In 2025, AfroSan generated controversy by launching messages of explicit support for La Unión Tepito during his presentations, consolidating his image as a musical spokesman for rival groups in the Mexican capital.
Tracks such as “En el Humo Radicamos” and “Pura FM del Fresa y Pescado” are not only viral hits; they are considered by the authorities as an apology for crime that puts the performers in the line of fire of opposing sides.
The impact on the industry and the community
View this post on Instagram
AfroSan’s death comes just weeks after the singer celebrated his birthday on January 23, when he asked his fans to tag major record labels to internationalize his career.
This contrast between artistic ambition and a violent end underscores a latent risk for emerging regional Mexican talents: the difficulty of separating a musical career from commitments to the people who finance or inspire their lyrics.
Why is it important for the U.S. resident?
Travel Safety: Tláhuac and bordering areas of the CDMX maintain alert levels due to criminal cell activity; caution is recommended for people visiting the area.
Cultural consumption: The corrido industry in states like California, Texas and Illinois moves millions of dollars, but this event is a reminder that the “authenticity” that many seek in music sometimes comes at a real human cost.
The Prosecutor’s Office continues with the integration of the investigation, while colleagues such as Grupo Doble AA have expressed their mourning for the man they consider to be a key member of the new wave of corridos in the capital.
Filed under: Murder of AfroSan in Tláhuac
