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, dub, and rocksteady, 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 Original Wailers, Jungle Fire, and Boostive. In 2022, his group supported Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 for six shows across the U.S., while he also as played 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.
The band has an all-star line up, featuring members of San Diego's Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, Boostive, and Electric Voodoo. Originality, musicianship, and a massive sound are three marks keeping this group on the road. With only two songs released in 2021 and his debut LP coming in 2023 (via All-Town Sound), it’s clear that Yacoub’s rise is only beginning.
The live band ranges from a 4 to 12 piece group, depending on the occasion, 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.
