BARRIO – Budweiser Stage was filled with Mexican pride on August 19, as Jalisco-born regional Mexican sensation Peso Pluma made his stop in Toronto.

Peso Pluma’s third album Génesis, released in June, currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, after debuting at No. 3. The collaborative artist has eight songs on the Billboard Global 200 including “Tulum” with Grupo Frontera, “La Bebé” with Yng Lvcas and “Lagunas” with Jasiel Nuñez, who is signed to the Peso Pluma’s independent record label, Double P Records.

“This is global, this is Mexican music and it’s for the world,” Peso Pluma said to Variety in April.

The grass area at Budweiser was closed off, but all the seats were full. Not one person seemed to mind waiting for the history-making artist. 

Like the international superstar, many of his fans at the concert wore jeans, T-shirts, a fitted cap and the singer’s iconic haircut; a blunt-banged mullet with faded sideburns.

Toronto very own, DJ Danny Castro had everyone hyped for the concert. He was playing a bunch of anthems getting all those in attendance ready for the Mexican Superstar!

Génesis’ promo video featuring Mike Tyson played on the screens followed by a montage of Peso Pluma’s seven-person band and musical director answering the question, “What does Peso Pluma mean to you?” Their responses include family, dreams and goals.

The artist initially dressed in a green Nike tracksuit which we assume played homage to Mexico. He later changed into black sweatpants and a Toronto Raptors jersey. It was a personalized jersey with the name PP (Peso Pluma) and the number 77.

Peso Pluma’s emergence into the international musical landscape marks a new era of regional Mexican, an umbrella term that covers multiple genres of Mexican music. The 24-year-old found global audiences thanks to his raspy voice and neverending energy. His multi-genre catalog includes regional Mexican, corridos tumbados, corridos rap, trap and reggaeton. 

In February 2022, his breakthrough hit with Raúl Vega, “El Belicon,” went viral on TikTok. By April, the song was on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs charts. He hasn’t left the charts since. 

“Ella Baila Sola” with Eslabon Armado is No. 1 on Billboard Hot Latin Songs. It was the first Mexican regional song to hit No. 1 on Billboard Global 200. On April 28, 2023, he was the first Mexican regional artist to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

The concert was a reflection of the artist’s nature. Peso Pluma, who was working as a construction worker in Los Angeles until a few years ago, does not shy away from sharing the stage. Six of his eight currently charted hits are collaborations. 

Peso Pluma’s grip on younger audiences can be attributed to his unapologetic self-assurance. He’s reimagined a Latin youth for the masses, celebrating his Mexican roots without having to trade in his Nikes and cap for boots and a sombrero. He pays homage to all the music that raised him without losing sight of the land that made him.

More than a handful of times, the chart-topper rallied the audience by repping his country. “Viva Mexico Viejo,” he repeatedly said.

The artist and his tireless band ran through their hits with boundless energy. He gave his band props throughout, giving each band member a spotlight at various times through the show. 

The mixed audience of youngster and older folks stood on their toes singing word for word with the superstar. They didn’t miss a beat for “Las Morras,” “Lady Gaga” and “AMG.” 

The concert was simply amazing. Peso Pluma is in Montreal this evening!

All photos by @tdotcam