On this episode, we’re honored to have the amazing Chhoti Maa (They/ella). Born in Guanajuato, Mexico; Chhoti Maa is a rapper, singer, and songwriter whose music is rooted in ecofeminism, migrant rights and the power of community. Their music reflects decolonial living, ancestral medicine, queerness, love and radical sisterhood. 

We discuss Chhoti’s passion for learning their ancestral traditions, what sparked their wellness journey, how they’ve embraced their intersectionality, plus the role of compassionate listening of Indigenous Peoples.

Listen and download their music on Bandcamp. We hope you enjoy the episode Queer Kittens! 

FEATURED GUEST:

Chhoti Maa started in 2007 within the migrant rights movement and hip hop scene of Richmond, VA. The production team expanded in 2012 with beto guapoflaco and Keith Avelino Hernandez. The music of Chhoti Maa is rooted in community organizing, hip hop, neufolk, r&b, cumbia, migrant soul and oral tradition. It reflects decolonial living, ancestral medicine, queerness, migrant empowerment, love and radical sisterhood.

To date, Chhoti Maa has performed, collaborated and taught in Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, China, US, Cuba, Spain, Qatar, U.A.E., Ghana, Sweden, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and multiple Indigenous nations. Chhoti Maa has released two studio albums Agua Corre (2016) and Caldo de Hueso (2018) featuring musical legends such as jazz saxophonist Howard Wiley, flautist KJ Pied Piper of the Bay, cumbia accordionist Ivan Flores and Native emcee Dioganhdih. 7 Luminarias is set to release in 2024.

As the creative engine of Chhoti Maa, Vreni Michelini-Castillo is also a cultural producer, curator, educator and organizer based in Huichin, Ohlone land (Oakland, CA).

WELLNESS RESOURCES:

Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here.

HOST:

THE CREW:

CONNECT:

Podcast is produced in collaboration with ⁠Kinoko Chocolates⁠ & ⁠Puka Puka Creative⁠.
Episode transcripts available by email request ⁠[email protected]⁠.