Co-Op | By Gustavo Martir M.A. | Vanessa Torres
After a period dedicated to his other great passion, the equestrian world, Héctor Manuel González Leal, famously known as Héctor González “El Tenampa,” is making a resonant return to the music scene in 2025. Armed with a fresh musical proposal and the enduring spirit that characterized his early career, El Tenampa is poised to once again captivate audiences, blending cherished traditions with innovative sounds and a spectacular equestrian show that is uniquely his own.
Born on May 3, 1969, in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Héctor is the third of five children to Don Héctor González Flores and Doña Graciela Leal Silva. His early life was marked by an entrepreneurial drive, inspired by his grandfather, Don Ermenegildo Leal Cárdenas. Young Héctor would assist at his grandfather’s warehouse, igniting a passion for sales and commerce. However, music found him unexpectedly. A casual invitation to sing among friends sparked a love for Norteño music, charting a new course for his life: an artistic career.
His journey into professional music began with Representaciones Artísticas Jocar, under Joel Cano. In 2004, his debut album, “Me sacaron del Tenampa,” was released under the Discos Disa label, managed by the renowned Familia Chávez1. This album, which lent him his enduring stage name, featured his first two hit singles, “Me sacaron del Tenampa” and “Tragos Amargos,” launching him on a successful tour across northern Mexico and beyond. As El Tenampa himself recalled in a recent interview with Gustavo Martir, his artistic name, “El Tenampa,” was born from the success of his first album. He further elaborated on his early work with the Chavez family, stating, “I recorded four albums in Monterrey with the Chavez family.” 2
His discography grew with “El Secreto,” featuring its successful title track, followed by “Que los perros ladren.” His fourth album, “Porque me duele estar solo,” released under Remex Music (also of the Familia Chávez), saw him share stages with giants like Banda El Recodo, Lalo Mora, and Emilio Navaira, solidifying his place in the grupero scene. A Hiatus and a Galloping Passion
Following these successes, Héctor paused his music career to immerse himself in the equestrian world. This was not a departure from performance, but rather an evolution. He began combining music with jaripeo (Mexican rodeo) and alta escuela (classical dressage), creating an innovative spectacle. This fusion gave birth to Adrenalina Live Show, a vibrant production that has toured various Mexican states, often alongside other well-known artists.
His deep connection with horses is a cornerstone of his current artistic identity. He explained, “I took refuge in my ranch with my horses, and from there I began to create an equestrian show.” 3 He emphasizes the unique nature of his show, which involves many elements. “I bring a band, a Norteño group.” 4 The show features “Dutch horses, Spanish horses, Arabian horses of different nationalities,” 5 showcasing a diverse and skilled troupe.
El Tenampa is deeply committed to the welfare of his animals. He passionately states, “The first thing I show people is that animal abuse doesn’t go with me.” “It does not exist with my horses; both the horses and the dogs are the smartest animals in the world.” He describes his horses as highly trained and responsive, “They know when I ask them to kneel, without mistreating them, without hitting them. On the contrary, when the show ends, the horses are by my side, caressing me. It’s a beautiful experience.” 8 He even takes audience feedback seriously to continually refine the equestrian elements: “Whenever I present my show, I always spend half an hour talking with people about my horses and their experience, yes, what they liked, what they didn’t like.”
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