In the vibrant heart of Pilsen, DJ Mo Mami, known off-stage as Ashley De La Torre, is more than just a DJ; she's a force of change, inclusivity, and activism. This weekend, she will be one of the main attractions at Miche Fest at Oakwood Beach, a Latinx festival celebrating its sixth year. For Mo Mami, DJing transcends the simple act of spinning records; it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels included and valued, reading the crowd, and connecting through the universal language of music.

Mo Mami’s journey began in 2019, but her roots in the scene trace back to her time with Babes Only, a not-for-profit organization founded by Evanesica Thompson in 2016. Babes Only is dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and educating women through workshops and parties across Chicago. Initially a party hostess, Mo Mami's path changed when Thompson encouraged her to try DJing. Thompson’s own journey started with blogging as EvieTheCool and transitioning to DJing in 2015, which became a beacon for Mo Mami.

“I [had] never seen a woman DJ up there until I met her,” Mo Mami said about Thompson. “Seeing her gave me the representation that I could do it too. From there, I got curious, started making beats, and immersing myself in the scene until one year in 2018, I got a DJ controller for Christmas and never looked back.”

Mo Mami’s rapid rise saw her performing at major events like Wicker Park Fest and Lollapalooza. Her unique sound, which incorporates global influences, captivated audiences in Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, and New York. Her performances have graced venues like WNDR Museum and Blind Barber. At Pilsen’s first-ever Margarita Fest in May, her eclectic mix of worldwide beats left a lasting impression on the audience.

“I knew I wanted to be there to be a core Latin influence and then I built around that and took it around the world from Latin America and expanded out,” she explained.

This summer, Mo Mami has hosted her monthly Fever Dream Worldwide raves, creating spaces that resonate with the diversity and inclusivity she champions. These events, held in June at The Giant Penny Whistle and in July at Navy Pier, offer a safe haven for BIPOC, LGBTQ+ communities, and others seeking a communal and spirited rave experience. Over the Fourth of July weekend, she was the main DJ for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, further solidifying her status in the scene.

Her passion for inclusivity and representation is evident in every set she plays. “I consider myself a global girl. I like to play different languages, vibes, and tempos. I like to go around the world, especially being rooted in Chicago. A lot of my songs are rooted in the ghetto, tech, juke, house [genre] That is where I feel comfortable,” she said, “I want people to come to my set and feel seen no matter where they’re from.”

Mo Mami's vision extends beyond the music. Fever Dream Worldwide was born from a vivid dream during the 2020 pandemic, aiming to reclaim spaces for BIPOC, LGBTQ+ people, and others to celebrate their youth and identities. These raves embody the free, Black, Brown, queer, and electronic sound that European scenes have commodified, bringing it back to its roots in Chicago’s South Side.

“Fever Dream was the trickiest thing I could think of,” Mo Mami said. “The concept itself came from this desire to bring this underground free, Black, Brown, queer, and electronic sound back to the South Side and Chicago in a way that Europe commodified the underground.”

Her activism isn’t confined to the DJ booth. Mo Mami’s commitment to social causes is seen in her participation in events like Margarita Fest, where she donned a keffiyeh, and her role in moderating a mental health panel for Babes Only. Her activism dates back to high school, inspired by her first protest for Tamir Rice.

“I remember I went to my first protest downtown with some friends,” she recalled. “I believe it was for an incident that happened to someone named Tamir Rice. Something about it just spoke to me.”

Initially aspiring to become a lawyer to help those in need, Mo Mami discovered that her influence as a DJ could touch more lives. “I always say that I think I help more people than I ever could have as a DJ, than I would have as a lawyer,” she said. “When I’m DJing, there are 500 people in the room who are relying on me for a good night from whatever kind of day they had. To me, that’s a responsibility I hold with so much pride.”

Mo Mami’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the importance of creating inclusive spaces. Her work as a DJ and activist continues to inspire, empower, and connect diverse communities, making her a true trailblazer in the music scene.