Lila Downs, originally from Oaxaca and part of the assimilation between the U.S. and México, embodies the image and profile of a Mexican woman with her clothing, traditions and folkloric music in a contemporary style.

Downs crosses musical borders by interpreting Mexican regional music from cumbias, norteñas, polkas, mixteco music and Son Jarocho to pre-Hispanic music. She also sings in different languages including mixteco, zapoteco, Spanish or English.

In an interview with EXTRA, Downs spoke about México’s Bicentenary/Centenary and how doors are opening for Mexicans in the music scene around the world.

EXTRA: Do you consider yourself an ambassador of Mexican folklore?
Lila Downs: I have a deep love and respect for México’s folklore through its visual and musical form. For this reason, I have tried to incorporate that beauty into the music we create. It’s important for me and I love using and adapting textiles to our musical work. They are important representations of a live symbolism in México as well as part of my wardrobe.

What type of social awareness do you want to provide through your music around the world?
I would like people to see me as an artist who is sincere and honest and inspired by the world I live in. My mother taught me that the most important thing is to sing from the heart. I also want to communicate the beauty that I find around me. It doesn’t matter if the roots are in folklore, jazz or hip-hop.

Do you think your music saves or evolves the value of traditional Mexican music?
I intend to keep the essence of music by respecting its intention. I don’t know if I’m successful, but it’s done with all the love I have for México’s music.

Why is it important ...