Peso Pluma • August 11, 2024 • Delta Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Marlo Matamoros
The 25-year-old global superstar from Guadalajara, Mexico would make his ÉXODO tour stop in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 11, 2024. Peso Pluma had his breakthrough year in 2023 with his GÉNESIS album which went on to win a Grammy for Best Música Mexicana Album. In 2023 he also collaborated with Eslabon Armado on a song titled “Ella Baila Sola” which became one of the most streamed songs around the world. Peso Pluma has played a big part in the corridos tumbados movement which translates to trap corridos. Peso Pluma is known for his raspy voice style and was the first Música Mexicana artist to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards this last year.
In a recent interview with Variety, Peso Pluma describes his new ÉXODO album as being more complete due to his more mature vocals and learning from the artists that he has collaborated with. ÉXODO is packed with huge features from other big Latin names like Junior H on “LA DURANGO” and Ivan Cornejo on “RELOJ” to name a few. He also collaborated with other big names in the music game on Volume 2 of the album like Cardi B, Quavo, Rich The Kid, and DJ Snake.
I first heard Peso Pluma on his song with Raul Vega titled “El Beligon.” The song “El Beligon” sparked controversy due to its content and has now reached over 300 million views on YouTube. The song “Ella Baile Sola” was a standout song to me and was the first song I sent out to my friends and family to listen to. “Ella Baile Sola” broke records on Spotify’s Global chart which was the first Música Mexicana song to reach Number One and named Rolling Stone’s song of the year for 2023. When I found out that Peso Pluma was performing again here in Salt Lake City I knew that it was going to be a must see. I appreciate Utah Concert Review for the opportunity to capture one of my most streamed artists.
An hour before the show there were people crowding the streets trying to get to the Delta Center. There were vendors around the arena selling food and Peso Pluma merchandise. When I entered the arena there were also vendors selling flowers with heart-shaped lights. I thought it was a nice touch that reminded me of the Latin countries and cultures that I have experienced. It felt personal and welcoming.
I could feel the anticipation in the Delta Center moments right before Peso Pluma would hit the stage. The lights went out and the cheering began to start. There was an introductory passage on the screen behind the stage followed by a solo violin performance. The moment finally arrived when Peso Pluma rose from underneath the stage. This was no ordinary entrance. Peso Pluma rose from underneath the stage sitting upon a throne, wearing his ski mask, and his dancers storming the runway stage with glowing eyes. Peso Pluma opened with two songs off his new album ÉXODO.
The first song he performed was “VINO TINTO” which translates into red wine. This song has a great futuristic-sounding intro followed by his band consisting of traditional Mexican instruments such as the charcheta, tololoche, and guitar. The song features Natanael Cano another forerunner for the corridos tumbados movement and Gabito Ballesteros who is a songwriter, singer, and guitarist from Mexico. This was the perfect song to start the party off right in the arena. He would end the song by taking off his ski mask and revealing himself to the audience. The second song that he performed off his latest album was “LA DURANGO.” The song features another artist who is part of the corridos movement named Junior H and Eslabon Armando who he has had success with before. Another star packed song to keep the party going.
The production to start the concert was amazing to say the least. The crowd erupted for “Ella Baila Sola” which would be his last song of the beginning act. After every act, he would disappear below the stage while the crowd would await his return. Peso Pluma would return to perform one of my collaborations he has done titled “PLEBADA” featuring one of the most influential Dembow Dominican artists EL Alfa. The stage exploded with fire which could be felt from our seats. Peso Pluma had the arena singing to every lyric and repeating Pluma after he would say Peso in the microphone. He made the concert feel personal and the arena feel like family after shouting out Utah many times and thanking everyone for being there.
This was easily on my favorite concerts that I have attended and photographed. One of my favorite and most streamed artists. The energy was felt with every song and the production was at the next level. I was curious how the turnout was going to be with the concert being on a Sunday, but Utah showed up. Peso Pluma ended his concert with the last song on his ÉXODO album which is “TEKA” featuring DJ Snake. There are a few beat drops throughout the song, so it was a perfect way to go out with a bang.
Confetti would fill the air, and the stage would illuminate with the Mexican flag. Peso Pluma has had tremendous success from a Grammy Win, representing Mexico at the VMAS, collaborating with the biggest artists, and representing Latinos on the charts. I am glad Utah was able to experience another one of his action-packed shows.
