Grupo Frontera arrived at NPR’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., for their Tiny Desk debut, which premiered on Thursday (April 24). Dressed in light blue denim and white shirts, the members of the border band opened their performance with their hit with Bad Bunny “Un x100to,” which reached No. 5 on the Hot 100. Backed by a gospel-inspired choir, they gave a touch of R&B to the lively norteña song, incorporating bright keyboards and slowing down the tempo. Midway through the performance, they returned to their signature cumbia norteña style. Accompanied by two female backing vocalists in cowboy hats, a trumpeter, and their signature accordion, keyboards, and guitars ensemble, Grupo Frontera delivered a dynamic and cohesive performance.
“It’s a very special song for us because we didn’t even know he was going to be on the song until we filmed the video,” lead singer Payo said about Bad Bunny’s collaboration on “Un x100to.” “It came as a surprise to us [Benito] in the video and he said, ‘Have you heard the version, the full version, with me?’ And we said, ‘What version!?'”, he continued laughing. “Play it!” Bad Bunny also visited NPR’s offices earlier this month to perform some songs.
Grupo Frontera continued their performance with “Hecha pa’ mí,” where the richness of the accordion shone. They followed with the bachata “Ángel,” originally recorded with Romeo Santos, and the laid-back reggae-bop “Por qué será,” which in its original version features Maluma, showcasing their ability to fuse norteña music with various genres. They closed their set with “El amor de su vida,” originally performed by Grupo Firme.
On Wednesday (April 23), the Texas group received a nomination for the 2025 Heat Awards for Best Group or Band. Watch Grupo Frontera’s full Tiny Desk concert here: [insert link to video].
Grupo Frontera’s performance at NPR’s Tiny Desk was a testament to their versatility and talent as musicians. They seamlessly blended traditional norteña sounds with elements of R&B, bachata, and reggae, creating a unique and captivating sound. The addition of the gospel-inspired choir added an extra layer of depth and soul to their performance.
The band’s chemistry and energy were palpable throughout the entire set, with each member showcasing their musical prowess. The lead singer’s vocals were powerful and emotive, while the accordion player’s skills were impressive and captivating. The backing vocalists added a beautiful harmony to the songs, and the trumpeter’s solos were a highlight of the performance.
Grupo Frontera’s setlist was a perfect mix of their own hits and collaborations with other popular artists. Their rendition of “Un x100to” with Bad Bunny was a standout moment, as they put their own spin on the chart-topping hit. The audience couldn’t help but dance and sing along to their infectious energy.
The band’s performance of “Hecha pa’ mí” was a beautiful showcase of their traditional norteña roots. The accordion and guitar solos were a testament to their musical talent and the genre’s rich history. The addition of the choir added a unique twist to the song, making it a standout moment of the set.
Their collaboration with Romeo Santos on “Ángel” was another highlight of the performance. The band’s chemistry with the bachata superstar was evident, and they delivered a flawless rendition of the song. The reggae-infused “Por qué será” was a refreshing change of pace, showcasing the band’s ability to experiment with different genres while still staying true to their norteña roots.
Grupo Frontera’s closing performance of “El amor de su vida” was a perfect way to end their set. The song’s romantic lyrics and the band’s heartfelt delivery left the audience wanting more. It was a beautiful showcase of their ability to connect with their audience and deliver a powerful performance.
In just a short time, Grupo Frontera has become one of the most popular and influential bands in the norteña music scene. Their unique sound and energetic performances have earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Their Tiny Desk debut was a testament to their talent and versatility, and it’s clear that they have a bright future ahead of them.