Lila Downs, the daughter of Mixtec singer Anita Sanchez and Scottish-American art professor and filmmaker Allen Downs, was born in Oaxaca, Mexico. She grew up in Oaxaca, California, and Minnesota, where she graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in voice and anthropology.
Lila's musical vision is deeply rooted in her anthropological background, reflecting the diverse cultures that have shaped her upbringing. She is often accompanied by her longtime band, La Misteriosa, a group of multi-cultural, multi-instrumentalists who have been her collaborators, producers, and husband Paul Cohen.
Lila's music frequently tackles political and social justice issues, such as immigration and transformation, all rooted in the human condition. Her performances aim to create a meaningful connection with her diverse audience.
For over a decade, Lila Downs has traveled the world, blending traditional Mexican music with blues, jazz, soul, African roots, and klezmer, all supported by her soaring voice. Her music is a unique fusion of international sounds, making it difficult to categorize her as a single genre.
Lila's sound can evoke a heat-fueled road trip from Oaxaca to New Orleans, but she is also not afraid to experiment with cumbia rock, beat-poet style rap, or even the chirps of an iguana, taking her music to unexpected places. Her music can also lead to ancient worlds, as she taps into the native Mesoamerican music and language of the Mixtec, Zapotec, Maya, and Nahuatl cultures.
Few artists can successfully navigate the terrain of such seemingly disparate music, but Lila Downs y La Misteriosa have made it their own, bringing their audience along for an emotional and memorable ride.
Lila Downs has received numerous accolades, including a Latin Grammy for the 2004 release "Una Sangre" and a Grammy nomination for 2008's "Shake Away," which was also named one of the top ten albums by WOMEX. She has headlined venues worldwide, appeared at major festivals and events, and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Caetano Veloso.
In addition to her music, Lila has also appeared in several films, including "Frida," "Tortilla Soup," "Real Women Have Curves," and "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada." She has also played the role of Sophia in the film "Mariachi Gringo" from SPEAK Productions.
