LATIN MAFIA Takes Over South Side Ballroom in Dallas

The Indie pop band trio from Mexico City, LATIN MAFIA, sold out the South Side Ballroom on a Sunday night. The band’s raw passion and the crowd’s energy made the show unforgettable. 

As the clock struck 8:30, the crowd erupted into screams, their excitement amplified as an intro video played on a massive screen. The air seemed to vibrate with anticipation as the trio took on the stage. When the lights came on, their set design looked like the aftermath of a wild party—colored confetti, red balloons, and solo cups were scattered across the stage, setting the tone for the night. LATIN MAFIA kicked off their set with “Siento que merezco más”, a standout track from their latest project, TODOS LOS DÍAS TODO EL DÍA.

Throughout the show, Mike, Emilio, and Milton wore camera rigs at different moments, giving the audience an intimate, behind-the-scenes perspective. Live footage flashed across the big screen, seamlessly switching between their POV, crowd shots, and striking visuals—including lyrics. The experience felt immersive, pulling the audience deeper into their world.

During the fourth song, “Pero me estoy acabando,” the brothers cranked up the energy by drenching the crowd with water. The ballroom pulsed with flashing lights and fans continued to jump, dance, and scream along.

One small exchange summed up the night perfectly. I overheard a security guard, yell out to peers, “I don’t understand nothing!” and a fan quickly responded, “But you feel it though, right?” That was the essence of LATIN MAFIA’s performance—you didn’t need to understand every word to feel the music’s impact.

LATIN MAFIA’s connection with the audience went beyond just the music—they made sure everyone felt like part of the show. Throughout the entire night, each member found ways to get up close and personal with the crowd. Emilio jumped into the audience, mic in hand, and crowd-surfed as fans carried him through the sea of hands. At one point, Mike and Milton even stepped off stage to get up to the barricade, blurring the line between performer and fan. The energy was infectious with red balloons bouncing between the band and the audience, making the entire venue feel like one massive celebration.

I’m a photographer based in Dallas, Texas, studying Communication Design at Collin College. I love spending time with my two cats, watching movies, or taking moments to recharge and reflect. A fun fact about me is that I used to play the trumpet, and it's a skill I still look back on with fond memories. Some of my favorite artists are Lorde, Charli xcx, Blood Orange, and Sara King.