Lila Downs

About

Ana Lila Downs Sánchez is a Mexican singer-songwriter, actress, and anthropologist. She performs her own compositions and the works of others in multiple genres, as well as tapping into Mexican traditional and popular music. She also incorporates indigenous Mexican influences and has recorded songs in many indigenous languages such as Mixtec, Zapotec, Mayan, Nahuatl and Purépecha. Born and raised in Oaxaca, she primarily studied at the Institute of Arts by Oaxaca and briefly attended the University of Minnesota, before withdrawing to focus on her musical career. She soon began performing in the traditional music scene of Oaxaca City. Lila Downs is known primarily for work in Music. They are based in Oaxaca. Oaxacan singer blending indigenous Mixtec and Zapotec traditions with jazz, corrido, and son. Grammy winner — a global ambassador for Mexico's indigenous cultural wealth. Profile compiled from public sources including Wikipedia's article on Lila Downs (accessed July 2026).