Lila Downs, born Ana Lila Downs Sánchez on September 19, 1968, in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, Mexico, is a multifaceted singer-songwriter and actress known for her unique synthesis of indigenous Mesoamerican music with folk, jazz, blues, and hip-hop. With a powerful voice and evocative stage presence, she has become a prominent figure in world music, often addressing themes of social and political significance within her diverse musical tapestry. The daughter of a Mixtec mother and a Scottish-American father, Downs possesses an inherent blend of cultures that have significantly shaped her musical direction.

Downs studied voice in Los Angeles and later anthropology at the University of Minnesota. Her compelling journey is marked by the release of a string of successful albums that showcase her ability to navigate seamlessly between languages, including Spanish, English, and various indigenous languages such as Zapotec, Mixtec, and Mayan. Notable releases such as "La Sánchez," "Vas de Salida," and the live album "Desde Bellas Artes México (En Vivo)" display her prolific live performances and her skill in bringing traditional Mexican music to the forefront of the international scene. Collaborative ventures, like "Hasta Que Te Conocí" with Buika, and culturally rich records like "Pueblos," further cement her status as an ambassador of Latin American culture, while remixes like "Mundo Nuevo (Remix)" show her music's adaptability to contemporary sounds and audiences. Lila Downs continues to inspire with her passionate advocacy for indigenous and women's rights, making her music resonate deeply with fans across the globe.

Genres

Cantautora Mexicana

Latin Alternative

Musica Indigena Latinoamericana

Musica Oaxaquena

Nuevo Folklore Mexicano

Oaxaca Indie

Trova

Related Artists

Julieta Venegas

Natalia Lafourcade

MANA

Carla Morrison

Buika

Ximena Sariñana

Ana Tijoux

Mercedes Sosa

Ely Guerra

Susana Baca

Alicia Keys

Mon Laferte

Latest Release

Tan Bonita

Lila Downs•

Niña Pastori•

Soledad

Single - Released May 31, 2024