DJ mum aims to break stereotypes of motherhood

A rave tailor-made for mothers is being held outside London for the first time.

On Saturday, Hockley Social Club in Birmingham is hosting Mums That Rave, a daytime dance party that aims to "smash stereotypes of motherhood and inspire mothers to lead a fulfilling life".

It was launched by DJ Nikki Beatnik, after the birth of her child motivated her to prove that motherhood did not mean she had to lose her identity.

"I, for one, refuse to disappear into a life of school runs, stripy jumpers and school WhatsApp groups," she said.

Since the first Mums That Rave party in 2019, there have been 22 events - until now, all in London.

The raves attract mothers from 18 to 60, although all women are welcome.

"It's a safe space for women and mums to claim their space on the dance floor," said DJ Nikki. "As a woman in music - I've been in the music industry my whole adult life - and as a mum as well, I know it's really important that we have these safe spaces.

"It's really important for mums' mental health, as well, to have fun, to have somewhere to dress up and feel comfortable and dance - it's about community."

DJ Nikki said she had long been passionate about giving greater representation to mums in the "youth-obsessed" music industry, continuing to run club nights and tour with the likes of Kelis and All Saints until four days before she gave birth in 2014.

"When I gave birth, I realised that a few of the big clients and brands that I'd always worked with had gone quiet and more or less stopped booking me," she said. "The only thing I could really put it down to was now that I was a mum.

"When you're a DJ, you kind of look the same for years - but when you become a mum DJ that puts you in a different category."

She decided to create something similar to her previous club nights, but at a time of day which suited women who wanted to get home for their children's bedtime, or who had to get up the next morning.

"It's the hardest demographic I've ever promoted parties to," she said, "because mums have so much scheduling, they take on such a big mental load.

"So to take an afternoon off and spend their money with me, I know I'm going to have to make that afternoon absolutely amazing for them.

"And the vibes have to be brilliant."

Guests can expect what DJ Nikki describes as "non-mum-branded" music such as drum and bass, hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall Afrobeat.

Women are encouraged to attend in groups or solo, as DJ Nikki said she always made an effort to introduce new faces to regular ravers.

Some have been coming to her parties since the start and have forged long-term friendships, she added.

Her ultimate aim is to show women that motherhood does not define them.

"Mums that Rave really is a metaphor for the bigger picture of life, of grabbing life by the disco balls, and not thinking that everything's over for you," she explained.

"Being able to pivot to another career, or another job, or make new friends.

"And get out there, dress up and look fabulous."

Mums That Rave Birmingham takes place at Hockley Social Club from 14:00 to 18:00 BST on Saturday 7 June, with tickets available on the Mums That Rave website.

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