Lila Downs: Music and Mexican Women Unite

Lila Downs, a singer-songwriter, channels her bicultural upbringing into artistic narratives that highlight traditional cooks and Mexican cuisine. She also contemplates singing in her native Mixtec language.

Downs features in the HBO Max series 'Like Water for Chocolate,' performing Juan Záizar's iconic song 'Cielo Rojo.' She views this as an opportunity to celebrate Mexican women through music and storytelling, stating that such narratives reclaim and revitalize a long-denied past.

Based on Laura Esquivel's 1989 novel, the series, produced by Salma Hayek, is set in northern Mexico during the early 1900s. It follows Tita de la Garza's forbidden love and her destined single life caring for her mother. The story interweaves magical realism, traditional Mexican cuisine, and critiques of patriarchy.

The series' soundtrack is a key element, featuring modernized songs by Mexican artists to connect with a younger audience. Director Julián de Tavira and supervisor Jerry Rodríguez sought songs by Mexican authors to give the plot a contemporary feel. Lila Downs' rendition of 'Cielo Rojo' is described as impressive and an emotional bridge for listeners.

Other artists contributing to the soundtrack include Gaby Moreno with her version of 'Cucurrucucú Paloma,' alongside Silvana Estrada, Humbe, Natalia Lafourcade, and Un León Marinero. This adaptation also aims to honor the successful 1992 film based on the same novel.