A young Mexican singer who has engaged in the fight against femicide has been found dead just hours after participating in a concert held to highlight violence against women.

The body of Jazmin Zarate Aquino, 29, was found in San Lorenzo Cacaotepec, a suburb of Oaxaca, southern Mexico on Monday (7th November), which is her birthday.

State prosecutors confirmed that the young singer’s body showed stabbing wounds. Murder investigations are continuing.

On the night before her body was discovered, Jazmin performed at a music festival organised to support the fight against femicide.

Jazmin – from the town of Cuilapam de Guerrero – studied performing arts at the CEDART (Centro de Educacion Artistica Miguel Cabrera) University in Oaxaca.

Her death has been bemoaned by friends, family members and musical artists.

Jazmin’s sister Engy Aquino wrote on Facebook: “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness as we say farewell to you on your birthday. Your wonderful smile will always be remembered. You will be forever in our hearts. Fly as high as you always wanted to!”

Mexican hip hop star Ballin revealed on social media that Jazmin participated in a video for his song ‘Ella no volvio’ – which is dedicated to the victims of femicide – just a few months ago.

Ballin said: “It sounds like a sick joke. One of the girls who appeared in my video for ‘Ella no volvio’ (She doesn’t fly) has become the victim of exactly the kind of crime my song is about!”

Women’s rights organisations have urged decision-makers to act more decisively against femicide.

An association of local feminist groups has released a statement saying: “We won’t stay silent. We demand justice for Jazmin Aquino.”

There have been 125 cases of femicide in Oaxaca State – which has around 4.1 million inhabitants – so far this year, according to women’s rights institution Rosario Castellanos.