Maná Discontinues Collaboration with Nicky Jam in Response to His Trump Endorsement

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The renowned Mexican pop-rock group Maná has taken a significant step by removing its 2016 collaboration with Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Nicky Jam. This decision follows Jam’s recent expression of support for Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate.

In an Instagram announcement, the band clarified their decision, stating, “Maná does not work with racists,” and confirmed that “De pies a cabeza,” a remix of their original song from 1992 featured on the iconic album “¿Dónde jugarán los niños?”, will no longer be available on digital platforms.

Maná emphasized the importance of dignity and respect for the Latino community in their message: “For the last 30 years, Maná has supported and defended the rights of Latinos around the globe. No business or promotion is worth more than the dignity of our people,” the band posted.

Nicky Jam, known for hits like “Travesuras,” “Voy a Beber,” and his collaboration with J Balvin on “X,” showed his support for Trump during a rally in Las Vegas last Friday. While introducing Jam, Trump mistakenly referred to him as a woman, saying, “Latin Music superstar Nicky Jam! Do you know Nicky, she’s hot. Where’s Nicky?”

Despite the mix-up, Jam expressed his enjoyment in meeting Trump, who has been known for his strict stance on immigration and plans to close the U.S. border since his first presidential campaign.

Maná has been a long-time advocate for migrant rights in the United States, making statements in support of this cause for over 20 years. During their acceptance speech for the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year award in 2018, lead singer Fher Olvera declared, “We will continue to fight for the rights of migrants who have made this country great; in the last century, they were the difference for this country to be as great as it is.”

As one of the most influential bands in Latin America, founded in Jalisco, Mexico, Maná has won six Latin Grammys and four Grammys, in addition to being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their commitment to activism resonates with many fans and fellow artists.

A representative for Nicky Jam did not reply to the Associated Press’ request for comment, while Maná’s team confirmed the band’s statement but provided no additional details. Maná joins a growing list of artists, including ABBA, The White Stripes, Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Phil Collins, Pharrell, R.E.M., and Guns N’ Roses, who have requested that their music not be associated with Donald Trump.