In an inspiring discussion during Billboard Latin Music Week 2024, four powerful women—Camila Fernández, Chiquis Rivera, Lupita Infante, and Majo Aguilar—came together to share how they are forging their own paths while building upon the legacies of their iconic family names. Moderated by Luana Pagani, founder of Fairwinds, and sponsored by Smirnoff Ice, the panel titled "The Legacies" highlighted how these artists are breaking barriers and setting a new direction in regional Mexican music.
Honoring Family Legacies While Forging Their Own Paths
Camila Fernández: Elevating Mexico Through Hard Work
Camila Fernández, the granddaughter of legendary Vicente Fernández, reflected on her 10-year journey in the industry. She emphasized the importance of hard work over luck, a lesson her grandfather instilled in her. “Success comes from work, not luck,” she said, quoting Vicente. Camila is determined to exceed expectations and give honor to her family while bringing a fresh spin to mariachi for new generations. Her tour, La Fernández, is an embodiment of her dedication to the craft, as she continues to elevate traditional Mexican music with her unique style.
"I make a fresh spin on mariachi for the new generations. Dressed as a charra and singing mariachi, I’m proud of the work I’ve done to get here." - Camila Fernández
Chiquis Rivera: Proud of Her Mother’s Legacy
Chiquis Rivera, daughter of the iconic Jenni Rivera, shared her determination to carve out her own space in the music industry while honoring her mother’s bold spirit. From an early age, Chiquis felt a connection to the stage, but it wasn’t until 2012 that she fully embraced her desire to follow in her mother's footsteps. She proudly sang Jenni's song "La Chacalosa", which solidified her ambition to succeed in regional Mexican music. Chiquis carries forward her mother's legacy of resilience and empowerment for women in a male-dominated genre.
"Let them say what they say … I feel proud of what we have been able to do, but more importantly, I feel proud of how I stand as a woman in my genre. We are stronger together." - Chiquis Rivera
Lupita Infante: Carrying on the Infante Name
As the granddaughter of Pedro Infante, Lupita Infante spoke about the immense responsibility of carrying such a storied surname. Lupita acknowledged that while her family name opens doors, it’s ultimately up to the public to decide her success. After the passing of her father, Pedro Infante Jr., Lupita’s connection to music deepened, leading her to embrace mariachi music. Her goal is to respect the genre while also innovating its sound through production.
"We who do the mariachi genre, it’s something beautiful and traditional. I feel a responsibility to represent it, but also to modernize and find new ways to keep it alive." - Lupita Infante
Majo Aguilar: Creating a New Sound for Mariachi
As the granddaughter of Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, Majo Aguilar has always known she wanted to move forward, not just coast on her family’s legacy. Majo credits her family’s impact on the industry, but she emphasizes that her passion for music is what drives her. With her latest album, Mariachi Tumbado, she is fusing traditional mariachi instruments with modern sounds, creating a fresh blend for a global audience.
"I do mariachi with love, not to follow trends. It’s important to embrace our genres because now they are on the global charts. That’s something we should feel very proud of." - Majo Aguilar
Empowering the Next Generation of Female Artists
The panel concluded with a reflection on the growing influence of female artists in regional Mexican music. Each woman highlighted the importance of not only representing their family names but also paving the way for future generations of women in the genre.
Latin Music Week 2024 served as a powerful platform for these artists to share their stories and inspire others. Their contributions signal a new era for regional Mexican music, one that is being led by strong, talented women who are redefining the genre’s boundaries.
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