Current:Home > reviewsIconic Mexican rock band Mana pay tribute to Uvalde victim Maite Yuleana Rodriguez -ApexWealth
Iconic Mexican rock band Mana pay tribute to Uvalde victim Maite Yuleana Rodriguez
View
Date:2025-04-12 01:42:09
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! (323)
Related
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- Quake rattles Southern California desert communities, no immediate reports of damage
- Torri Huske, Gretchen Walsh swim to Olympic gold, silver in women's 100 butterfly
- 3-year-old dies in Florida after being hit by car while riding bike with mom, siblings
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Police announce second death in mass shooting at upstate New York park
- Olympian Nikki Hiltz is model for transgender, nonbinary youth when they need it most
- USA finishes 1-2 in fencing: Lee Kiefer, Lauren Scruggs make history in foil
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Mama
Ranking
- Trump invites nearly all federal workers to quit now, get paid through September
- Who Are The Nelons? What to Know About the Gospel Group Struck by Tragedy
- 'Stop the killings': Vigils honor Sonya Massey as calls for justice grow
- With DUI-related ejection from Army, deputy who killed Massey should have raised flags, experts say
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Harris is endorsed by border mayors in swing-state Arizona as she faces GOP criticism on immigration
- Olympic Games use this Taylor Swift 'Reputation' song in prime-time ad
- Scott Peterson Gives First Interview in 20 Years on Laci Peterson Murder in New Peacock Series
Recommendation
Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
USA skateboarders Nyjah Huston, Jagger Eaton medal at Paris Olympics
When the science crumbles, Texas law says a conviction could, too. That rarely happens.
Gospel group the Nelons being flown by Georgia state official in fatal Wyoming crash
2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
9 Self-Tanners to Help Make Your Summer Tan Last
Liberty University, Jerry Falwell Jr. settle legal and personal disputes
USDA moves to limit salmonella in raw poultry products