Jaime DeAnda, Chato Ordoñez, and Roel Joslin in archived photo from Spotify
The iconic Tejano band name Los Chamacos has once again taken center stage — not for a musical performance, but for an ongoing dispute over its rightful ownership. This latest chapter in the saga unfolded after recent public statements by former frontman Jaime DeAnda and a rebuttal by current band owner Roel Joslin.
The controversy reignited on Thursday, just days after DeAnda was inducted into the Guadalupe Arts Center’s Conjunto Hall of Fame during the Tejano Conjunto Festival in San Antonio. Riding the momentum of his induction, DeAnda issued a statement on his official Facebook page claiming he had “successfully reclaimed Los Chamacos — restoring his rightful ownership and cementing his legacy.” The message was celebratory, even triumphant: “WELCOME BACK JAIME DEANDA Y LOS CHAMACOS.”
However, the celebration was short-lived.
The current Los Chamacos lineup, managed and owned by Roel Joslin, responded swiftly and forcefully via social media. Accompanied by signed documentation, their post disputed DeAnda’s claim and framed it as a “publicity stunt with no proof.” According to the band, DeAnda legally sold the name and related assets to Joslin years ago in a transaction aimed at settling personal debts, including child support and credit card obligations.
“The rightful ownership of the business name ‘Jaime y Los Chamacos’ is STILL under Roel Joslin,” the band stated, listing everything included in the sale: merchandise, royalties, licenses, and more. “No court ruling or any other authority judgment has been made to change that.”
The situation escalated further with an emotional follow-up statement from Los Chamacos, defending Joslin and longtime member Chato Ordóñez while denouncing DeAnda’s actions. The band named Joslin as a savior who stepped in when the group faced financial crisis, enabling all members — including DeAnda — to continue working over 7 years ago.
“In fact, the offer still stands for him to repay what he owes to rightfully reclaim the name,” the post reads, suggesting the door is not fully closed — but only if the financial terms of the original agreement are met.
The clash has stirred emotions among fans, many of whom grew up with Los Chamacos and associate the name with DeAnda’s distinct voice and energy. Still, the current ensemble remains active under the same name, with Joslin and Ordóñez continuing to perform and produce music.
As of now, no legal filings have been reported to formally contest ownership. But with both sides standing firm and airing grievances publicly, the battle over Los Chamacos appears far from over — a stark contrast to the harmony the band once represented.
Tejano Nation will continue to follow this developing story.
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