Current:Home > ScamsIconic Mexican rock band Mana pay tribute to Uvalde victim Maite Yuleana Rodriguez -AssetBase
Iconic Mexican rock band Mana pay tribute to Uvalde victim Maite Yuleana Rodriguez
View
Date:2025-04-11 13:02:44
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! (47561)
Related
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- 'Emily in Paris' to return for Season 5, but Lily Collins says 'there's no place like Rome'
- Is ‘Judge Judy’ on the Supreme Court? Lack of civics knowledge leads to colleges filling the gap
- Tell Me Lies’ Grace Van Patten Shares Rare Insight Into Romance With Costar Jackson White
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Everything to Know About the 2024 Emmys' Biggest Winner Shogun
- Thousands in California’s jails have the right to vote — but here’s why many won’t
- Flappy Bird returning in 2025 after decade-long hiatus: 'I'm refreshed, reinvigorated'
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Suspicious packages sent to election officials in at least 5 states
Ranking
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- Vote South Dakota forum aims to shed light on ‘complicated’ election
- Why There Were 2 Emmy Awards Ceremonies in 2024
- Tito Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 co-founder, dies at 70
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Research shows most people should take Social Security at 70: Why you may not want to wait
- Bridgerton Season 4 Reveals First Look at Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha as Steamy Leads
- Titanic Submersible Passengers’ Harrowing “All Good Here” Text Revealed
Recommendation
'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
Tell Me Lies’ Grace Van Patten Shares Rare Insight Into Romance With Costar Jackson White
'Emily in Paris' to return for Season 5, but Lily Collins says 'there's no place like Rome'
Biggest moments at the 2024 Emmy Awards, from Candice Bergen to 'Shogun'
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
Emmys 2024: Sarah Paulson Called Holland Taylor Her “Absolute Rock” and We’re Not OK
The next generation of Buffetts is poised to become one of the biggest forces in philanthropy
Why There Were 2 Emmy Awards Ceremonies in 2024