San Antonio, TX — During one of their four shows in Texas, the influential Latin American rock band Maná took a touching moment to remember Maite Rodriguez, a young soul taken tragically in the Robb Elementary School incident.
Known for their Grammy-winning music and their recent foray into social impact initiatives, the band sought to uplift the Uvalde and San Antonio communities. In a heartfelt gesture, they announced that a portion of the proceeds from their Texas concerts would go towards supporting The Maite Yuleana Rodriguez Memorial Fund, offered by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Maite, fondly remembered by her mother Ana Coronado, was a 10-year-old filled with curiosity and dreams of becoming a marine biologist. Ana shared with ABC News that her daughter’s fascination with marine life began during family trips to Corpus Christi.
Fher Olvera, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Maná, shares Maite’s passion for the sea. This connection was artfully woven into the band’s performance, where a majestic turtle descended from the arena’s ceiling. It’s a detail that Ana Coronado believes her daughter would have cherished.
“No matter the fame or platform he has, the one thing she would have said is, ‘Hey, we both adore turtles!'” Coronado fondly chuckled.
In the wings, Ana clutched a necklace adorned with pendants representing Maite, a constant reminder of her beloved daughter. She also wore green Converse sneakers, identical to Maite’s, with a hand-drawn heart on the toe, a symbol of the 21 lives lost. Moments later, Coronado was invited onstage while Maná performed “El Reloj Cucú.”
The song, which translates to “The Cuckoo Clock,” was penned by Olvera himself and inspired by the loss of his father during his youth. In a poignant dedication, the lyrics declared the song a “cry of love,” commemorating Maite and her enduring legacy at the Saturday show.
Coronado expressed, “She is still achieving remarkable things. She is making a difference, and I can’t believe she’s my daughter. My girl… my girl is making all of this happen.”
Throughout their México Lindo y Querido tour, Maná, comprising Fher Olvera, Alex González, Sergio Vallín, and Juan Diego Calleros, has used their platform to champion various causes, ranging from human rights to environmental issues.
González shared with ABC News, “Music has given us so much, and we feel a responsibility to help others. If we can inspire others to do the same, that’s even better. Everyone should come together and support each other. That’s what we truly need.”
In addition to the scholarship funds established in Maite’s memory, another portion of the concert proceeds in Texas will be directed toward the Latino Victor. Y Foundation, a National Voter Registration partner. Additionally, Livenation has pledged support for both these endeavors, according to Maná’s management.
Speaking of her daughter, Coronado said, “While I’d much rather be at home watching movies with her today, it’s just not possible.”
“But this is what I must do to carry on her legacy,” she added with unwavering determination.
