Current:Home > reviewsIconic Mexican rock band Mana pay tribute to Uvalde victim Maite Yuleana Rodriguez -Global Finance Compass
Iconic Mexican rock band Mana pay tribute to Uvalde victim Maite Yuleana Rodriguez
View
Date:2025-04-11 13:52:38
San Antonio, TX -- As the influential Latin American rock band Maná played one of their four shows in Texas on Saturday, the Grammy award-winning group paid tribute to Maite Rodriguez, a 10-year-old victim of the Robb Elementary School shooting.
The band, who recently launched a social impact initiative, was inspired to uplift the Uvalde and San Antonio communities by donating a portion of the proceeds from their Texas shows to The Maite Yuleana Rodriguez scholarship offered by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
MORE: Police officer praised for reviving baby during traffic stop in suburban Detroit
Maite is remembered by her mother Ana Coronado as a curious 10-year-old with big dreams of becoming a marine biologist. Coronado told ABC News that her daughter loved marine animals and her fascination started after family visits to Corpus Christi.
Fher Olvera, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Maná, is also passionate about sea life – a detail that was incorporated into the band’s performance as a turtle propelled from the arena ceiling. It’s something Maite’s mother knows her daughter would have connected with.
“No matter the platform he has, the fame he has, the one thing she would have said is ‘Hey, we both like turtles!’” laughed Coronado.
MORE: 'There's a powerful argument' Trump is disqualified for presidency under 14th Amendment: Kaine
As Coronado waited patiently in the wings, she held her necklace tight – it included pendants for Maite. She also wore green Converse, like Maite's, with a hand-drawn heart on the toe, which became a symbol for the 21 lives lost. Only moments later, Coronado was pulled on stage while the band performed “El Reloj Cucú.”
The song, which translates to “The Cuckoo Clock,” was written by Olvera and inspired by the loss of his father at a young age. The lyrics declare the song a "cry of love," one that was dedicated to Maite and her legacy at the show on Saturday.
“She is still doing great things,” Coronado said about her late daughter. “She is still accomplishing so much, and I can’t believe that she is mine. My girl … my girl is doing this.”
Throughout the México Lindo y Querido tour, the band -- frontman Fher Olvera, drummer Alex González, guitarist Sergio Vallín and bassist Juan Diego Calleros – has chosen to platform several causes, such as human rights and environmental issues.
“Music has given us so much that we feel good helping people,” González told ABC News. “If we can inspire other people to help, then, you know, I think it is better. Everyone should pitch in and try to help one another. That is what we need.”
In addition to the funds for the scholarship in Maite’s name, another portion of the proceeds from the band’s Texas shows will be allocated to The Latino Victory Foundation, a national voter registration partner. LiveNation has also pledged to support both efforts, according to Maná management.
“Although I would rather, much rather be at home watching movies with her today, you know, that it is just not possible,” Coronado said about her daughter.
“This is what I have to do to keep her legacy going,” she added.
Ismael Estrada contributed to this report.
veryGood! (382)
Related
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's jersey ranks among top-selling NFL jerseys after commencement speech
- Taylor Swift breaks concert crowd record in Stockholm with Eras Tour
- Messi napkin sells for nearly $1 million. Why this piece of soccer history is so important
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Shohei Ohtani Day to be annual event in Los Angeles for duration of his Dodgers career
- A brief history of Knicks' Game 7s at Madison Square Garden as they take on Pacers Sunday
- GOP fighting, 50-hour Democratic filibuster kill push to make amending Missouri Constitution harder
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Where Is the Parenthood Cast Now?
Ranking
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- TikToker Allison Kuch Weighs In On Influencers' Controversial Baby Names
- The last pandas at any US zoo are expected to leave Atlanta for China this fall
- Why Jessica Biel Almost Quit Hollywood
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- NFL distances itself from controversial comments made by Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker
- Nile Rodgers calls 'Thriller' best album as Apple Music 100 best list hits halfway mark
- Photos and videos capture damage as strong storm slams Houston: 'Downtown is a mess'
Recommendation
Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
Scottie Scheffler arrested before start of Round 2 of the PGA Championship
Matt Duchene scores in double overtime as Dallas Stars oust Colorado Avalanche in Game 6
Pennsylvania school district’s decision to cut song from student concert raises concerns
Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
Vindicated by Supreme Court, CFPB director says bureau will add staff, consider new rules on banks
Where Is the Parenthood Cast Now?
Messi napkin sells for nearly $1 million. Why this piece of soccer history is so important