Lila Downs awarded La Mar de Músicas prize at Cartagena festival

Mexican singer‑songwriter Lila Downs was presented with the Premio La Mar de Músicas 2026 during the 31st edition of the La Mar de Músicas world‑music festival in Cartagena, Spain. The award, given by mayor Noelia Arroyo, recognises artists who foster cultural dialogue through music.

Downs, a multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, performed a concert at the Parque Torres auditorium, joined by Portuguese fado singer Carminho, Mexican vocalist Silvana Estrada and Andalusian musician El Nieto Manuel. The program also featured performances by arpist‑singer Musgö, Ecuadorian indie‑pop artist Paola Navarrete and Gambian kora master Sona Jobarteh. In her speech, Downs highlighted Indigenous rights and the blend of traditional and contemporary sounds that define her work.