is an Egyptian-American multi-instrumentalist, producer, and DJ based out of San Diego, CA. As a lifelong drummer that has supported many projects in the vein of afrobeat, soul, funk, and reggae, he's been slow brewing a unique feel for roots and dance music.
Inspired by artists like Fela Kuti, Dr. Dre, and James Brown, his group harkens back to Africa in the 70’s with the bass and drums turned up a notch. Strong, repetitive grooves layered with Afro-Latin percussion and vibrant, tightly executed horn lines that call all dancers to the floor.
Mitchum Yacoub
Since beginning his first live performances in late 2019, Yacoub has played alongside roots music heavies like The Wailers, Antibalas, Jungle Fire, and Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto. In 2022, his group supported Seun Kuti for six shows across the U.S., while he traded on percussion and drum kit for Kuti's band: Egypt 80 (formerly of Fela Kuti). The experience trained him well in the rhythmic strength of the music and earned him and his band a place in the global scene of Afrobeat.
Originality, musicianship, and a massive sound are three marks keeping Yacoub’s band on the road and a fast-growing festival favorite. The highly acclaimed release of his debut album, “Living High in the Brass Empire”, (2023 All-Town Sound) brings the experience home as a showcase in his unique approach to roots music; forming explosive intersections of Afrobeat, Cumbia, and Soul that will lift your spirit from its seat.
The full band ranges from an 9 piece to 12 piece group and is known to feature a collective of San Diego's brightest horn players:
Bradley Nash & Travis Klein from Elektric Voodoo //
Wesley Etienne, Nick "Burger" Giacalone, Nathian Elias-Kocivar of Boostive //
Jesse Audelo from Sure Fire Soul Ensemble / Fresh Veggies / Los Hermanos Arango
Often, percussionists like Sekani Thomas and Dramane Kone, both acclaimed djembefolas, seasoned in West African tradition, will join the band.
