The road to success in local Mexican music, a genre historically dominated by men, has been difficult for women. But their constant struggle over the years has seen them gain a greater presence in the limelight, although they are still a minority and much remains to be done to achieve equality. Even those from families with a successful musical legacy have had to overcome obstacles to achieve their goals.
In honor of Women's History Month, celebrated in March, Billboard Español spoke exclusively to Ángela Aguilar, Camila Fernández, Chiquis, Majo Aguilar and Lupita Infante, who answered three key questions about what it means to them to be part of dynasties — mostly from male legends of the genre. With the exception of Chiquis, daughter of Diva de la Banda Jenni Rivera, the rest are descendants of icons Pedro Infante, Vicente Fernández and Antonio Aguilar.
“For me, being the only woman to represent the Fernández dynasty musically is something that makes me happy and proud of my roots,” says Camila Fernández, granddaughter of Vicente, daughter of genre superstar Alejandro Fernández and his sister singer Alex Fernández.
“The representation of women in music is increasing day by day and I believe that if we support each other, we would create a bigger impact,” she adds. “Of course, there are many more things that can change.”
From the challenge of living up to the family name, balancing work and personal life, and what can be done to elevate and empower the work of women in Mexican music, read what these five female stars have to say.
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Angela Aguilar
Image credit: Erick Nieto
Granddaughter of Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, two of the most representative figures of Mexican music and charrería. Her father, Pepe Aguilar, is one of the most important and respected singers of ranchera music. Ángela is currently the most successful female figure in local Mexican music.
What does being part of the Aguilar Dynasty mean to you?
For me it is a great responsibility and a great honor to have people at home who have already experienced what I am about to experience. My grandmother Flor Silvestre helped this new generation of singers get the recognition they deserve. She was part of this movement of strong and entrepreneurial women who decided to dedicate themselves to music and acting, so for me to have her as a reference and to follow in her footsteps is a privilege.
As a woman, do you find it difficult to combine work and personal life?
I think for now it's fine in my case, because my family is what gets me through and they're the people who will take care of me the most. But I understand that in the future, when I have children, it will be a little difficult. My dad always told us the difference between being a manager and being a father, so I know how to handle that part.
What changes do you think need to be made for women to enjoy professional equality?
Mexican local music is dominated by men. Generations of women before mine have had to work hard to receive the recognition that men have always given. I think there needs to be more exposure of female talent in music and I mean female composers, producers, sound engineers. I think there is no gender equality in this aspect.
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Camila Fernandez
Image credit: Universal Music México
Granddaughter of Vicente Fernández, the most representative form of ranchera music. Her father is Alejandro Fernández, a successful singer of the same genre who inherited his father's voice, who in turn bequeathed to his son Alex Fernández strong vocals and, to Camila, a voice to which she has given her own style .
What does it mean to you to belong to the Fernandez Dynasty?
Being the only woman to represent the Fernández dynasty musically is something that makes me happy and makes me proud of my roots. I am proud to see the work that my grandfather and my father have done to be where they are and that inspires me and fills me with energy to keep moving forward and to be able, if people allow me, to give them all myself.
As a woman, is it difficult to balance work and personal life?
Sometimes it's hard, but since I grew up in this environment, it's something that's been a part of me since I was born and it's something that I know how to handle. In fact, I have molded my husband and he has understood this matter.
What changes do you think need to be made for women to enjoy professional equality?
The representation of women in music is growing day by day and I think if we support each other, we would create a bigger impact. Of course, there are many more things that can change. Women need to be put in positions of power, there needs to be more inclusion in the industry, from festival lineups to work teams, production, management, engineering, design, etc.
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Chiquis
Image source: Emilio Sanchez
Janney Marín Rivera is the daughter of the unforgettable Jenni Rivera, the last great female figure of local Mexican music. Chiquis, as she is known, inherited the responsibility of continuing her family and musical legacy after her mother's death. With a great personality she writes her own story.
What does being part of the Jenni Rivera Dynasty mean to you?
Personally, it is a source of pride and great responsibility to represent a dynasty like that of my family, especially my mother. I do my best to always keep her in mind in what I do, but I also like to do my own thing.
As a woman, is it difficult to balance work and personal life?
It helps to know that I have a family that understands me, that we have been through so much with my mom. My siblings understand and don't feel bad if I can't be at a family party because I work. We are very used to this.
What changes do you think need to be made for women to enjoy professional equality?
I think it's a combination of many things. I think there needs to be more support from women in local Mexican music. women in important positions in record companies should support other women and we as artists should not be afraid to take risks.
It's about expressing yourself with your music, not staying silent, not worrying about what people will say and moving on. I believe that today there are more women in the genre, and if we unite we will be stronger and stronger. The important thing is not only to say it, but to do it. Show support with actions.
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Major Aguilar
Image Credit: Courtesy of FONOVISA
Majo is the granddaughter of Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, daughter of Antonio Aguilar Jr., niece of Pepe Aguilar and cousin of Ángela. With a distinctive style, he has given a refreshing sound to ranchera music, while still capturing sensation in the performance.
What does being part of the Aguilar Dynasty mean to you?
My grandparents were two very important pillars for Mexican music, they took Mexico to many places in the world with love, humility and greatness too. Participating in my existence in the blood of these two great people, who instilled in our family the love of our music, is a source of immense pride and happiness.
As a woman, is it difficult to balance work and personal life?
It was not difficult in my case, since my family, my partner and my friends are very supportive of my decision to become a singer, they nurture my desire to sing and celebrate my achievements. I believe that all women in the world deserve to feel supported and supported in their dreams without being judged.
What changes do you think need to be made for women to enjoy professional equality?
First of all, let's recognize women for what they are: a very important part of society, with the same potential and abilities as men. Recognizing that this would be a step forward for equality, because there is still a kind of cloud between men and women; it's not as thick anymore, but it's still there.
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Lupita Infante
Image Source: Yulissa Mendoza
Granddaughter of Pedro Infante, the great legend of Mexican music, Lupita is the only representative of the dynasty. A Grammy and Latin Grammy nominee, she has made ranchera music her profession, carrying her legacy across the United States.
What does being part of Baby Dynasty mean to you?
It is a great privilege. What I do I do with a lot of love, affection and above all respect. This is something that brings me closer to my roots and my family, so I feel like I need it in my life to feel complete.
As a woman, is it difficult to balance work and personal life?
I think when you come from such a big family name, it's not possible to separate your family and your name from your profession. it's something you have to learn to work with and you have to represent it as it deserves.
What changes do you think should be made for women to enjoy equality in the professional field?
We women need them to believe in us, in our ideas, in our projects, in our vision. I think sometimes it's hard for men to believe that we can. We need them to support and invest in women in this music industry.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/lists/women-in-regional-mexican-music-dynasties/