In Memory of Paquita la del Barrio: The Daring Voice of Mexican Music

Paquita la del Barrio—the fiery Mexican singer who became an activist by celebrating women’s empowerment and resiliency—has died, the world of music confirmed on February 17, 2025.
empowerment — died at 77. Paquita is known for her sharp lyrics and unapologetic critique of machismo; her music transcended borders, resonating with anyone who’s ever had their heartbroken or fought injustice. Let’s walk through her life, her iconic songs and the legacy she leaves behind.

His Life Was One of Struggle and Strength

Born in 1947 in Veracruz, Mexico, as Francisca Viveros Barradas, Paquita’s early days were anything but glamorous. She had a rough childhood, raised by her aunt. She was 15 when she married a man 18 years her senior, only to learn years later that he had a family of his own, a betrayal that somehow infused her music with its famously defiant tone.

Her escape? Music. In the 1970s, she moved to Mexico City with her sister Viola to form the duo Las Golondrinas. But when her sister ventured out on her own, Paquita opened a little restaurant, obliged to sing while cooking to pay the bills. This is where her raw talent started to shine, garnering her loyal fans long before her big break .

The Rise of a Star

Paquita’s career took off after she was introduced to Mexico through a TV performance in 1984. Her debut album, a collection of rancheras and banda, highlighted her powerful vocals and fearsome lyrics. By the 2000s, she was a household name, with more than 20 million records sold, and a career in movies and telenovelas.

But it wasn’t only her voice that seduced audiences — it was her attitude. Songs such as “Rata de Dos Patas” (Two-Legged Rat) and “Tres Veces Te Engañé” (Three Times I Cheated on You) transformed heartbreak into anthem. She didn’t merely sing about pain; she wielded it, confronting toxic masculinity with lyrics like *“Are you listening, you worthless man? *—the words fans repeated at each concert .

Songs That Shook the World

The music of Paquita was a revolt. Here are five songs that captured her career’s essence:

Rata de Dos Patas” (2001)

Her magnum opus. Penned by collaborator Manuel Eduardo Toscano, this song juxtaposes an unfaithful partner to vermin. The legend: It was secretly inspired by a Mexican president, but Paquita never acknowledged it. The track’s brutal honesty — “You’re the scum of life!” —made it an international hit, even quoted by the likes of Becky G and Karol G.

“I Cheated on You Three Times” (1993)

A tit-for-tat anthem in which Paquita confesses to out-cheating her partner. Its wry but piercing message became a rallying cry for women sick of double standards.

“Me Saludas a La Tuya” (1998)

The sassy putdown of an ex and his mother. The title is translated as “Say Hi to Yours for Me” — a cheeky Mexican colloquialism for “good riddance”.

“Taco Placero” (2001)

Paquita likens a disappointing lover to a dry taco. It’s funny, familiar and a reminder that her sharpness never dulled.

“El Consejo” (2020)

With Ana Bárbara, Paquita spread love and resilience — a message still relevant in her 70s.

Pioneering a Male-Dominant World

Regional Mexican music has been a male-dominated genre for decades, but Paquita refused to be bound by the music industry’s gender roles. Men had actively mocked her shows, saying *“Why would I go to get insulted?” * But, gradually, they became fans as well, frequently coming with wives or girlfriends.

Her success was about more than music — it was about representation. At 4’11”, she flouted glam pop-star stereotypes, dubbing herself “Paquita from the barrio” (the neighborhood). She became so sedentary in her later years for health reasons that she performed seated, but never lost her spark.

A LOVE AND A DEFIANT HEIRLOOM

Paquita’s impact went far beyond music. She worked on charity projects, such as the Spanish-language version of “We Are the World” for Haiti earthquake relief, and advised younger artists, including Shakira, whose own breakup anthem went viral and who she advised after the fact.

The spirit of her Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in 2021. When Bad Bunny assisted in adjusting the microphone for her, she joked, *“You’re useless!” *—a nod to her famous lyric. The audience erupted, proof of how deeply she’d moved generations..

Coda: A Voice That Endures

Paquita’s death led to international tributes. Apple Music described her as “the feminist icon who sang what others were too afraid to say,” and her music earned praise from Mexico’s Ministry of Culture, which credited her as a ranchera legend.

Despite health struggles, including reduced mobility following a 2022 pulmonary thrombosis, her music is bereft of its glory. For fans, Paquita was not just a singer; she was also a friend, someone who transformed their pain into power. As she put it herself: “Every song I sing is a piece of my soul.”