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Get2Know Joss Favela, Mexico’s Modern Poet of Regional Music
Get2Know Joss Favela
From Código Fama to chart-topping hits: the journey of Joss Favela
Few artists embody the spirit of contemporary Mexican music like Joss Favela. Born José Alberto Inzunza Favela in Guamúchil, Sinaloa, on December 10, 1990, he’s known not only for his velvety voice and poetic lyricism but also for redefining the role of the songwriter in regional Mexican music. From small-town prodigy to Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist, Favela’s journey reflects perseverance, artistry, and a deep respect for his roots.
Joss Favela’s artistic path began early. At just 13 years old, he appeared on Código Fama (2004), a popular Televisa talent show, and later on the hit series La Rosa de Guadalupe (2008–2010). These television appearances introduced him to the entertainment world, but his true calling quickly became songwriting. During his teenage years, he released two early albums: La Reynalda (a collection of banda tracks) and Andar Conmigo (featuring norteño ballads).
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By his early twenties, Favela had moved to Monterrey, where he began collaborating with the pioneering electronic group 3Ball MTY. However, his most transformative work came as a composer for other artists. Throughout the 2010s, his songs were recorded by some of the biggest names in regional Mexican music, like Banda Los Recoditos, Julión Álvarez, Noel Torres, Larry Hernández, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón, Banda MS, and Banda El Recodo, among others. His writing style, marked by emotional depth and a modern twist on traditional sounds, helped redefine the genre.
In 2015, Joss Favela signed with Sony Music and officially launched his solo career with the album Hecho a Mano. The project included hits such as “Me gusta verte arrepentida”, “Cuando fuimos nada”, and “No vuelvas a llamarme.” The success of these singles established him as both a performer and a composer with star potential.
That same year, he made history by becoming the youngest artist ever to receive the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award, marking a major milestone for Mexican regional music. His growing reputation also led him to television, where he joined Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento as a judge in 2017, bringing his musical insight to the next generation of artists.
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Favela’s second studio album, Caminando (2018), further solidified his reputation. Its first single, “Me hubieras dicho”, became a fan favorite. In March 2018, he was named ASCAP’s Songwriter of the Year for the third consecutive time, a rare achievement that underscored his dominance as one of Latin music’s most in-demand composers.
Later that year, he collaborated with Becky G on “Pienso en ti,” a song that bridged traditional Mexican balladry with pop energy. Caminando showcased Favela’s versatility, blending heartfelt storytelling with modern arrangements that appealed to younger audiences while honoring his musical roots.
By 2022, Favela’s reputation as an influential figure in Latin music led him to become a coach on La Voz México, alongside Ha*Ash, Yuridia, and David Bisbal. His role on the show highlighted his mentorship spirit and dedication to fostering emerging talent.
The songwriter behind regional Mexican music’s biggest voices
Beyond mentoring, Favela has continued to expand his creative universe through collaboration. His 2024 project, Mis Compas Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, which came out just a coupñe of months ago, reflects a celebration of friendship and artistry. The album feature duets with Alfredo Olivas, Ha*Ash, Jessi Uribe, Cornelio Vega y su Dinastía, Código FN, and La Receta. Each track is a meeting point of styles, where norteño, sierreño, and pop influences converge.
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The first single from Mis Compas Vol. 2, “Eres” featuring Alfredo Olivas, epitomizes this spirit. Favela wrote the lyrics, while Olivas and his band handled the musical arrangement, maintaining their unique sonic identity. Collaborations with Ha*Ash and Grupo Firme followed, with “La vida es pa’ gozarla” capturing his uplifting philosophy.
Still in his early thirties, Joss Favela has already achieved what many dream of: chart-topping hits, award recognition, and respect across the Latin music spectrum. Yet, he continues to see himself not as a celebrity but as a storyteller. His songs, rooted in love, heartbreak, and everyday life, bridge generations of listeners.
As he contemplates his next project, whether another Mis Compas installment or a solo album, Favela remains a testament to the power of authenticity. A true son of Sinaloa, he carries the torch of Mexican songwriting into a new era, proving that emotional honesty and cultural pride can still top the charts.
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