Maimouna Youssef
Maimouna Youssef (Cherokee/Choctaw/Creek) aka Mumu Fresh is a Grammy-nominated singer, emcee, songwriter, activist, mentor and workshop facilitator has been making waves in the international Indie music scene as a solo and accompanying artist.
Born and raised in Baltimore into a large artistic family — she's one of 14 kids — Youssef grew up singing traditional Native American, Jazz and Gospel music. She discovered hip-hop in her teens and learned how to rap with the help (or coaxing) of her older brother.
She attended the prestigious Duke Ellington High School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. where she further honed her craft and sharpened her artistic purpose. The resulting genre-spanning musical style is one that seamlessly marries her various influences with spirituality-infused, often socially-conscious lyrics.
“The message I hope to convey to my listeners is one of truth, empowerment, spiritual upliftment and healing.”
She released her highly anticipated and widely praised first full-length solo album, “The Blooming,” in September 2011. The leading single “I Got A Man” produced by award-winning DJ Jazzy Jeff went on to become selected as the theme music to BET’s original series Being Mary Jane. Mumu Fresh has traveled the worldwide as a supporting vocalist for legends such as Congolese Vocal Acapella group Zap Mama, Late night Jimmy Fallon’s band, The Roots and is currently on tour with Grammy & Oscar award winner, Common.
She has received recognition from several local non-profit organizations such as One Common Unity, Bmore News, and Womb Work Productions as well as Mayor Luis Fernando Castellanos Cal of Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico for her outstanding service and commitment to the youth worldwide. There’s so much on the horizon for Maimouna Youssef’s rising star. Follow her on social media @mumufresh and stay tuned for her next great adventure on the worldwide music scene