Maimouna “Mumu Fresh” Youssef is a Grammy nominated seasoned singer, emcee, songwriter and poet. She received a Grammy nomination for her contribution on the Roots hit “Don’t Feel Right” in 2007 for best rap song. She has swapped musical licks with 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 venues such as Denver Colorado ‘s Red Rocks Amphitheater, Radio City Music Hall, Switzerland’s Moniteau Jazz Festival, and The Carter Baron Amphitheater in Washington, DC. Her musical endeavors were a springboard to make her big screen debut in Dave Chapelle’s “Block Party.” Mumu released her first Solo EP entitled Black Magic Woman March 2011. A Baltimore native born into a family of exceptional artists, Mumu began performing traditional African and Native American songs on stage with her family at the age of 5. As a youth she joined the Baltimore/Washington based musical theater group called Uprising and toured with them as a lead vocalist. In addition, she played a leading role in the Bway 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). At 16 Mumu formed a jazz/hip-hop/funk/ band with her cousin Omari “AzIz” Forman-Bey known as Cirius B. Maimouna Youssef won the title of “Baltimore’s Idol.” Cirius B’s unique sound found it’s way to producer James Poyser. The Roots recognized Maimouna’s raw talent and asked her to sing lead vocals. Shortly thereafter, Maimouna was packing her bags to join the Roots world tour.
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