Meet Mami Zaddy | Artist & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mami Zaddy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mami, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always loved music since I was a little kid. My older brother used to have me sing along to our mom’s favorite songs and he would be behind the camera capturing it all. I was in band in school and later in college I joined a rock band from Waukegan,IL – Rosa’s Cantina. Years went by, Rosa’s Cantina was no longer together and I felt as though something was missing in my life. When I finally launched myself into a music career I felt complete. Once I had that feeling I knew I had to continue on this path and so that’s why I’ve pursued an artistic career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I make music for women and empowering women but it is universally empowerment music. My queer identity is represented in my songs and I hope to inspire other people like myself to feel good about who they are and what they represent. I’ve wanted to be part of Pride shows since I first launched myself as Mami Zaddy and I’m proud to announce that this year that is finally happening! On June 1st I will be the headliner at a Pride Kick-Off party at 28 Mile Distilling Company in Highwood IL, I will be headlining at Lake County Pride Fest in Round Lake Beach on June 8th and I will be performing at the Monument Stage in Washington D.C. at the Capital Pride Festival on June 9th. I’d have to say I’m the most excited about having these gigs lined up. In general I’m so proud of myself and my small team for doing everything that we’ve done up till now as fully independent, self-funded artists. This has not been easy, I have had to fight my own insecurities and fears to get here. I’ve had to push myself to meet deadlines that I set for myself and learn to not procrastinate on releasing music, videos, and content. I have had to learn to navigate every aspect of this industry and blindly take risks. I’ve had to cut off toxic people in the industry that tried to undermine my message and replace it with hate. I know now to ask all the right questions before working with someone new. I want the world to know that my mission is all based on love and I refuse to promote or be part of any hate. The brand is meant to empower people to be themselves and not let themselves be silenced by anyone or their own fears.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To be honest when friends visit me we hang out a lot in my studio. I usually get the karaoke going with the mics or we’ll create new songs or just listen to music on the speakers. I love getting creative with my friends and sharing the experience with them. Of course we can’t do that the entire week so we hit up cool places to eat and drink and dance. Some of my favorites include Los Comales, 90 Mile Cafe, Uptown Lounge, Bavette’s, Au Cheval, High Five Ramen, Sidetrack, and Emporium. I tend not to take people to tourist areas unless they really, really want to see it. I think cities are better experienced going to places the locals like, at least that’s what I love to do, so I would show my friends those places first. If they are in town when there’s an underground show we would definitely go to one of those and if they’re sports fans we are for sure visiting any of the stadiums for a game.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people have contributed to my success. From artists that inspired me to my closest family members and friends. My first show in the Chicago scene was with Kultura Urbana, Aldahir Soto got me my first show in Mexico, Walt From.The.Future welcomed me into the TMRW family – a group of us dedicated to working together to push our careers. Infamous D, Essse Guey, Bord Entertainment, David Lopez and Passion Park Entertainment constantly think of inviting me when they host shows. The love of my life Alexis Morin (artist name Rich Mija) cheers me on every single day in everything I do artistically and is one of my biggest supporters. Matt Swizzle, a talented songwriter and artist was among the first people to tell me my music was good and encouraged me to continue writing. My brother Benny attends every show with me and sets up my merch. My brother Juan Martin uses his photography skills to capture amazing shots of me on stage. My sister Gwen, her husband Al and kids Christian, Adryanna, Michaela and Xander all support me with their kind words and encouragement. My mom Rosario is pretty much always listening to my music on Spotify, it’s amazing, sometimes I wonder if she puts it on when she knows I’ll be in her car. My cousin Xochilt is the loudest person in the crowd at every show and is always hyping me up. She was the first person to buy merch from me. One of my best friends, Erin “Fo Dollaz” Snarski printed my first run of merch. Fellow artists Saint Minx, Aksey mc, and J. Nava are always hyping me up at shows and showing up to support, I can’t thank them enough. Other artists that I work with, that inspire me and tell me they like my music include El Booxy, Jayiran, Noor, Kali Paylinn, Kid Juli, JunoTheYungJedi, Essse Guey, David Lopez, G. Leon, Ashtroboi, Adan “Acero” Castellanos, 18N81, Jon Lumi, Jahiron, El Bulldogg Duran, Sien, Rio Callix and Whimzi. I dedicate this shout out and my career to loved ones we’ve lost, everyone listed here and anyone I might’ve missed that supports me on the regular with their words, engagement on social media, merch sales, etc.

Website: https://mamizaddy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamizaddyoriginal/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mamizaddy

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7H8vaRGi2iO9OnP0l70pAt https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mami-zaddy/1633395995 https://www.tiktok.com/@mamizaddy https://soundcloud.com/mamizaddy

Image Credits
Vicari Prints, EndoInkTV, Mariel Bokor, Jason Velez, J. Nava, Alexis Morin