Regional Mexican band Grupo Frontera, which began as a group of friends covering songs during the pandemic in Texas and became the first of their genre to record with Bad Bunny, is now facing internal changes. One of its founding members is no longer part of the group—and according to him, the decision wasn't his.
Bassist Brian Ortega, who had been with the band for over three years, shared a statement on Instagram expressing surprise and disappointment over his departure.
"I'm sure that, like many of you, I'm surprised," Ortega wrote.
"I recently learned that I would no longer be part of Grupo Frontera. This decision was not my own, and I had no say in how it was handled."
While Ortega did not go into details about the reasons behind his removal, he made it clear that the separation was not voluntary. Despite the circumstances, he took the high road, thanking his bandmates—Beto, Juan Javier Cantú, Carlos Frontera, Payo, Julián Peña Jr., and Carlos Zamora—for the journey they shared.
"I want to thank you for these past three and a half years and for the opportunity to be part of something that has grown immensely. It's been an honor to help build what is known today as Grupo Frontera. I wish you nothing but the best and continued success on this journey," Ortega added.
As of now, Grupo Frontera has not released an official statement regarding Ortega's departure. The band rose to global fame with viral hits like No Se Va and collaborations with artists such as Bad Bunny and Carin León.
Fans have flooded social media with messages of support for Ortega and questions about the band's future lineup.
Ortega also stated that he already has plans for the future and asks fans to "know that this is not the end for me and it's far from it. I'm excited for what's next."
Here is the full text of his message:
To my fans, friends and everyone who has supported me along the way:
I feel it's only right to clear the air. I recently learned that I would no longer be part of Grupo Frontera. This decision wasn't my own, and I had no say in how it was handled. And I'm sure, like many of you, I'm surprised.
Still, I have nothing but gratitude for the years, the music, and all the moments I shared with my bandmates. I want to thank them for these past three and a half years, and for the opportunity to be part of something that grew immensely and to create what is known today as Grupo Frontera. I wish them nothing but the best, and much more success as they continue this journey.
To my fans: Please know this isn't the end for me, and it's far from it. I'm excited for what's next and am already working on plans with amazing people, and I'll share more news in due time.
Thank you for being by my side through EVERY note and EVERY stage. The love and support you've shown me means everything, and I promise you this is just the beginning of a new chapter.
With much love and respect,
Brian
