Los Tigres Del Norte have had one of the most prolific, pioneering careers in música mexicana. They formed the family band when they were just teenagers in the late Sixties, playing in small, dingy bars across Mexicali to earn some money for their families. Eventually, they arrived to the U.S., where an American border agent gave them their name by telling them that they should call themselves “The Little Tigers of the North.”
Ever since then, Los Tigres have been one of the most respected groups in the Spanish-speaking world — but in case anyone needed a reminder of their longevity and influence in music, they’ve just released a new anthem called “Aqui Mando Yo,” which translates roughly to “I’m in command here.” The bold, tough-talking song has a proud message that they wanted to share with the world: They’re the OGs in this genre, and they were here first.
“This song has a personal meaning because it takes great responsibility to know how to lead,” frontman Jorge Hernandez tell Rolling Stone. “And it takes a lot of responsibility to lead not just once, but over a number of years, and to do it with character and strength.”
The song was written by Héctor Guerrero, and the band members say they connected to its message of self-pride immediately. When they were recording, the group wanted to evoke their history as trailblazers, especially at a time when música mexicana is finding global success with younger listeners. “Through the years, this group has worked hard and done a lot to become a name within the industry. And now, with a boom in regional Mexican music, and because this band is one of the pioneers, I think we needed this as a statement for the new generations,” explains instrumentalist and vocalist Luis Hernández.
The band isn’t just dropping “Aqui Mando Yo.” On Thursday night, they held a press conference in New York City to share that they’re also releasing a new five-track EP, named after the lead single. In addition to that, they shared that they’re going to play Madison Square Garden for the first time next year on May 24, another feat for a band that’s used to making their own history.
Hernan Hernandez says playing such a historic venue in New York has a special meaning to the group: They brought their mother to the city decades ago, marking her first time outside of the U.S. “There are a lot of beautiful memories,” he says. “We’re also inspired by New York because we always see what a community of Latinos there is when we come here.”
The new EP is proof that although Los Tigres have been around for 50-plus years, they’re not slowing down anytime soon. In the last couple of years, they’ve kept scoring major wins: Their 2022 Amazon documentary Historias Que Contar got an Emmy nod last year, making them the first música mexicana band ever nominated. “‘Aqui Mando Yo” is a testament to all the firsts they’ve achieved as a band, reflecting the powerful energy of their long list of hits, including their 1997 chart-topper “Jefe de Jefes.”
The lyrics don’t just apply to the band. Jorge Hernandez says he sees it as something that can empower anyone, and hopes fans will connect with the message. “We think ‘Aqui Mando Yo’ is an important declaration,” he says. “It’s like with architects, when you make a building, you have to make sure the foundation is strong so that no matter what difficulties arise, that building keeps standing. This is how I think about the music: When things are well-made, they stand the test of time.”
