Vicente Fernández Returns Alongside Banda Sinaloense Stars in ‘Tributo al Rey con Banda’: ‘He Respected the Genre’

The voice of the late Mexican music icon Vicente Fernández resonates once again, this time alongside major stars of the Sinaloa banda genre in the album Tributo al Rey con Banda (Grandes Duetos Vol. 1), unveiled on Wednesday (May 13) at the Rancho Los Tres Potrillos in Guadalajara, Mexico — the place where he lived and now rests.

Featuring original recordings of the “Charro de Huentitán,” prominent figures in regional Mexican music such as his son Alejandro Fernández, Edén Muñoz and Banda El Recodo offered their own renditions of hits by the legendary singer, who is best known as a mariachi artist but had also recorded an album with banda music during his lifetime. That set, Vicente Fernández Éxitos con Banda, was posthumously released in 2024.

This new project, will be available starting Thursday afternoon (May 14) under Sony Music México, had another of the artist’s sons, Vicente Fernández Abarca, serving as executive producer. “There’s a misconception about my father; people have said he didn’t like Sinaloa banda music, and that’s false,” Fernández Abarca tells Billboard Español. “He respected the genre, and the proof is that album in his discography and this tribute, which we wouldn’t have created if we knew he wouldn’t approve.”

With a total of 12 tracks, Tributo al Rey con Banda — available on digital platforms, CD, and vinyl — took a year and a half to make, from selecting the songs to releasing the project. The set includes previously released singles “El Rey,” featuring Alejandro Fernández, and “Mujeres Divinas,” featuring La Adictiva.

Other collaborations include Ángela Aguilar on “La Ley del Monte,” Edén Muñoz on “Lástima Que Seas Ajena,” Christian Nodal on “Estos Celos,” Banda El Recodo on “La Diferencia,” Banda Los Recoditos on “Volver, Volver,” Yuri on “Cuatro Vidas,” La Arrolladora Banda El Limón on “De Qué Manera Te Olvido,” Josi Cuen on “La Derrota,” El Fantasma on “El Palenque,” and Jorge Medina on “El Hijo del Pueblo.”

“We gave the artists complete freedom to interpret the songs in their own style. This allowed each artist’s essence to shine through on these iconic tracks,” explains Fernández Abarca, who says he also authorized the artists to use the videos for their performances and to sing the song live during their shows if they wish.

Regarding the selection of performers for this compilation, Vicente Fernández’s son shared that they chose singers who are respected and successful in banda music. “In Yuri’s case, my dad recorded the duet with her during his lifetime. However, she decided to re-record her voice for this project.”

In a video aired during the presentation at Rancho Los Tres Potrillos, some of the collaborating artists spoke about the opportunity to be part of the album. “Participating in this tribute and being allowed to make it our own is an honor. I hope people enjoy not just this song [‘Lástima Que Seas Ajena’], but the entire album,” said Muñoz.

“Don Vicente Fernández is an icon who left an indelible mark on all of us,” added Poncho Lizárraga of Banda El Recodo. “To be part of an album like this is both a great honor and a great responsibility. The result of recording ‘La Diferencia’ moved us—it feels authentic, powerful, and full of emotion.”

Meanwhile, Nodal said, “Recording with Don Vicente Fernández was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I dreamed of him listening to my music and eventually recording a song with me; it was such a big dream. To make it happen this way with ‘Estos Celos’ was truly special.”

Finally, Vicente’s heir, Alejandro Fernández, stated that “Singing ‘El Rey’ has always been very special to me. Today, I sing it with the man who taught me how to live it — my father, the great Vicente Fernández.”

Listen to the full album starting at 8:00 p.m. ET: