The iconic Mexican band Maná removed their musical collaboration with Nicky Jam from streaming platforms this Sunday, following the singer's public endorsement of Republican candidate Donald Trump, a gesture the band labeled as racist.
Maná expressed their stance on Facebook, emphasizing their commitment to defending the rights of those born in Latin American countries. "For the past 30 years, Maná has supported and defended the rights of Latinos worldwide. No business or promotion is worth more than the dignity of our people," the band stated.
In the same announcement, the band revealed their decision to pull their collaboration with Nicky Jam, noting, "That's why today, Maná decided to remove their collaboration with Nicky Jam on 'Pies a Cabeza' (2016) from all digital platforms."
"Maná does not work with racists," was the brief yet powerful message posted by the band on their social media, which quickly garnered thousands of shares.
Nicky Jam, born in the United States, participated in a rally for the former U.S. president in Las Vegas, where he took the stage with the Republican and even wore a red cap with the slogan Make America Great Again, as reported by La Vanguardia.
On stage, the reggaeton star expressed his fortune in meeting Trump, stating, "People from where I come from don't usually get to meet the president." He also asserted that "we need him (Trump) back" in the presidency, a race that will be decided in the upcoming November election.
This incident led the Mexican band Maná to label Nicky Jam as racist and to remove the track "Pies a Cabeza" from streaming platforms.
The reggae version of the 1992 Maná classic, featuring Nicky Jam, was released in 2016 and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart.
At the time of its release, Nicky Jam called Maná one of his idols and said, "I never thought I would work with them, so this is a blessing," as reported by Billboard.
Last August, reggaeton artists Anuel AA and Justin Quiles also revealed themselves as supporters of Donald Trump, publicly showing their endorsement at a rally for the former Republican president held in Pennsylvania. Anuel, Puerto Rican, and Justin, born in Connecticut but raised in Puerto Rico, encountered Trump when he arrived at the airport in Johnstown.
FAQs About Maná's Decision and Nicky Jam's Support for Trump
Given the controversy surrounding Maná's decision to remove their collaboration with Nicky Jam, we've compiled some common questions and answers to provide more context and clarity.
Why did Maná remove their collaboration with Nicky Jam?
Maná removed their collaboration with Nicky Jam because they considered his public support for Donald Trump to be an act of racism. They stated that their commitment to the dignity and rights of Latinos is more important than any business or promotion.
What song did Maná remove from streaming platforms?
Maná removed the song "Pies a Cabeza," a reggae version of their 1992 classic featuring Nicky Jam, from all digital platforms.
How did Nicky Jam show his support for Donald Trump?
Nicky Jam showed his support for Donald Trump by participating in a rally in Las Vegas, where he took the stage with Trump and wore a red cap with the slogan "Make America Great Again."
Are there other reggaeton artists who support Donald Trump?
Yes, reggaeton artists Anuel AA and Justin Quiles have also publicly shown their support for Donald Trump at a rally held in Pennsylvania.