Maimouna Youssef
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Maimouna Youssef

Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C., United States | SELF

Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C., United States | SELF
Band Hip Hop Soul

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Music

Press


"Black Magic Woman: The EP Maimouna Youssef A blues stomp from the Roots collaborator"

Maimouna Youssef has an artistic vision seasoned well beyond her 26 years—due mainly to her upbringing in a musical household and the time she's spent collaborating with artists like The Roots and Dead Prez.
- Washington City Paper


"All American Girl"

"I've never even seen the show," the 17-year-old Youssef says. The well-spoken, statuesque beauty sits draped in her trademark African lapa wrap in the living room of her older sister's Guilford Avenue apartment, which is adorned with Native-American artifacts and artwork reflecting their family's Choctaw, Cherokee, and Creek ancestry (her father is Native American and African, and her mother is Native American). - Baltimore City Paper


"The Fierce Independence of Maimouna Youssef"

It’s all this that makes Maimouna Youssef so worth watching out for; her sense of irreconcilable artistry, her unflinching willingness to tell us the truth in a way that is utterly undeniable. It’s an ability that knows where it’s been and where it’s headed, and by its nature refuses the permission of label heads or great leaders. The voice that Youssef knows how to use so well is one that simply states the adage as old as music itself: “I was, I am, I always will be.”
- Socioarts.com


"New Music: Maimouna Youssef Presents ‘The Blooming’"

In all, the 12-track debut CD by Maimouna Youssef is a game-changer in a crowded musical marketplace of regurgitated beats, gimmicks, and messages. Youssef has managed to serve as an activist through her music while staying true to her musical heritage as a multi-dimensional musician, MC, and songwriter. The Blooming is, indeed, the blossoming of a new music star. - SoulTrain.com


"Maimouna Youssef: The Blooming"

Now, Youssef is all grown up. She’s a multifaceted vocalist and accomplished poet with skills reminiscent of Lauryn Hill. She’s also a capable producer with the bright spirit of a youthful novice, and the musical acumen of an experienced veteran. The Blooming brings together a diverse array of sonic influences, all of which fit comfortably into a seamless current of comprehensive sound. It proves that Youssef is an effervescent force to be reckoned with, and that true artistry does not fit within social restraints. It moves freely and challenges its observers to do the same. - Okay Player


Discography

Black Magic Woman (EP)
The Blooming (LP)
Subversive Activity (LP w/ Cirius B)
Journey Home (EP w/ Three Generationz)

Photos

Bio

Maimouna “Mumu Fresh” Youssef is a Grammy nominated seasoned singer, songwriter, producer and emcee. She received a Grammy nomination for her contribution on the Roots hit “Don’t Feel Right” in 2007 for best rap song. Maimouna released her first Solo EP entitled Black Magic Woman March 1, 2011 and her first full length album – The Blooming - on September 20, 2011.

She has swapped musical licks with such artists as Angelique Kidjo, Brian Wilson’s band, Big Daddy Kane, Nas, Dead Prez, Wilco, Zap Mama, Cody Chestnut, Martin Luther, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli. Maimouna has also rocked the stages of many renowned venues such as Denver Colorado ‘s Red Rocks Amphitheater, New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, Switzerland’s Moniteau Jazz Festival, and The Carter Baron Amphitheater in Washington, DC. Her musical endeavors were a springboard for Youssef to make her big screen debut in Dave Chapelle’s hip hop documentary “Block Party.”

A Baltimore native born into a family of exceptional artists, Maimouna began performing traditional African and Native American songs on stage with her family at the age of five. As a youth she joined the Baltimore/Washington based musical theater group called Uprising. Maimouna toured nationally with Uprising as a lead vocalist. In addition, the young Youssef played a leading role in the Broadway musical “Once on this Island”. Some of her other theatrical experiences include the original trio showcase “Three Generationz” that consisted of Maimouna Youssef, her mother, Nataska Hummingbird, and her grandmother, Mountain Eagle Woman (now deceased). Maimouna still continues to perform with Three Generationz – now comprised of Maimouna, her mother and Navasha Daya formerly of Fertile Ground.

At the tender age of 16 Maimouna formed the jazz/hip-hop/funk/ band along with her cousin Omari “AzIz” Forman-Bey known as Cirius B. In the spring of 2003 the duo completed the recording of their independent debut album entitled “Subversive Activity”. Baltimore welcomed Cirius B with open arms and quickly became one of the city’s preeminent bands without exception to genre. Also in 2003, Maimouna Youssef won the title of “Baltimore’s Idol” and began appearing frequently on Baltimore’s Fox 45 morning show as well as every major local radio station including 92.3FM’s Big Phat Morning show. Cirius B’s unique sound found it’s way to Grammy Award winning producer James Poyser and in 2004, Maimouna and Omari relocated to Philadelphia to work with. Maimouna’s dreams began to materialize when she was introduced to many of her favorite and most respected artists including the legendary hip-hop band The Roots. The Roots recognized Maimouna’s raw talent and was asked to sing lead vocals on their new hit single at the time, “Don’t Feel Right.” Shortly thereafter, Maimouna was packing her bags to join the Roots on their world tour. It was during this tour that Maimouna earned a name for herself as a world-class vocalist and emcee.