Los Ninis
Alta Consigna
The Ballad of the Young and Restless: Understanding 'Los Ninis' by Alta Consigna
The song 'Los Ninis' by Alta Consigna, a Mexican regional band known for their norteo and banda music, delves into the lives of young people caught in the cycle of organized crime. The term 'Ninis' in Mexico refers to young individuals who neither study ('ni estudian') nor work ('ni trabajan'), and in this song, it's used to describe young men who have turned to a life of crime as a source of adrenaline and purpose.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of these young men's lives, highlighting their detachment from conventional paths like education and office jobs. Instead, they are drawn to the thrill and danger of working for a cartel, patrolling the streets of Culiacn with rifles in hand, and showing loyalty to their leaders. The song does not glorify this lifestyle but rather presents it as a matter of fact, acknowledging the presence of violence and the absence of traditional moral structures, as indicated by the line 'Aqu hay ms cuernos de chivo que iglesias pa rezar' (There are more AK-47s than churches to pray in).
The narrative also touches on the camaraderie and hierarchy within the cartel, as well as the precision and ruthlessness with which they operate. The song's characters are portrayed as well-equipped and well-funded, with a sense of duty to their superiors and a strict code of conduct. Despite the heavy subject matter, the song is likely delivered with the rhythmic and melodic flair characteristic of Alta Consigna's musical style, which often juxtaposes upbeat tunes with serious themes.