These L.A. mariachis bring authenticity to Bruno Mars' viral music video - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Andrea FloresMarch 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Bruno Mars' new music video for "Risk It All" features Los Angeles-based mariachi band Mariachi Los Criollos de Guadalajara, adding authentic cultural flair to the romantic bolero track. The video, directed by Mars and Fresno’s Daniel Ramos, showcases the band performing live outside the Guardian Angel Catholic Church in East Hollywood. What makes this collaboration special is that the musicians memorized the song's exact notes by ear, impressing Mars with their authenticity. This level of dedication highlights the importance of using real musicians in music videos, a practice that isn't always prioritized.
The band’s leader, Joel Jacques, shared how the group was initially hired to merely pretend to play instruments but quickly mastered the piece through ear training. When Mars heard the live rendition for the first time, he was visibly moved and praised their musicality. Jacques attributes this success to the rich history of mariachi music, which is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and was even recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011.
The video has since gone viral with nearly 15 million views, earning praise from fans and fellow artists alike. Many have called "Risk It All" an instant classic wedding song, and Mexican artists like Jesús Ortiz Paz and Lupita Infante have celebrated the track on social media. Mars’ album *The Romantic* also pays homage to Latin culture through tracks inspired by Cuban music and Santana’s iconic "Oye Como Va." The inclusion of Mariachi Los Criollos de Guadalajara underscores Mars' commitment to authenticity, showcasing how collaboration with traditional artists can elevate modern music
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 3/2/2026