Wave News Services
DOWNEY — Singer/songwriter Lupita Infante of Downey has been honored with the Mayor’s Award of Excellence for her pivotal role in carrying on her family’s musical legacy and standing firm in her mission to empower women through her music in a tradition historically dominated by men.
Infante, 29, is the granddaughter of the late Pedro Infante Cruz, one of the most beloved Mexican singers and actors of the 20th century.
“It’s a full circle moment because I first met Mayor Mario Trujillo when he was my
teacher in elementary school,” Infante said in a statement released by the city. “I’m dedicating this award to my mother, who first came to Downey looking for a brighter future, and to this beautiful city that has helped shape my path in life and in music.”
The Mayor’s Excellence Award celebrates individuals’ selfless dedication and
commitment to going above and beyond for others.
“As Lupita’s former kindergarten teacher, I am proud of her accomplishments and commitment to paying tribute to the tradition and beauty of our heritage,” said Mayor Trujillo. “She is a role
model for the Latino community and women. Downey is proud to be called home by great leaders like Lupita Infante.”
Infante’s mother moved to the United States from Zacatecas when she was 16. Infante was raised in a working-class family in Downey. While in college, she worked at a senior and community center where she would sometimes sing.
She completed a degree in ethnomusicology at UCLA in 2017. To pay for school, Infante was a driver for Uber and Lyft and worked as a music teacher, according to a biographical statement.
Infante sings traditional mariachi, norteño, and ranchera music. Infante’s debut studio album La Serenata was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Regional Mexican Music Album in 2019. In 2020, her song “Dejaré” was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award.
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Lupita Infante
