Mitchum Yacoub

Mitchum Yacoub is an Egyptian-American producer, multi-instrumentalist, and DJ based out of San Diego, CA. As a lifelong drummer who 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 music 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.

Yacoub has played alongside roots music heavies like Tinariwen, The Wailers, Antibalas, Jungle Fire, Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, and Thievery Corporation. His group supported Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 for six shows across the U.S., where 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 on the global stage of Afrobeat.

Originality, musicianship, and a massive sound are three marks keeping this group on the road and a fast-growing festival favorite. They’ve brought seas of people together in rhythmic unity on stages at Pickathon, High Sierra, Lightning in a Bottle, and beyond. The highly acclaimed release of Yacoub’s debut album, “Living High in the Brass Empire” (2023 All-Town Sound), showcases his unique approach to roots music and abilities as a composer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist and producer. The album has garnered attention from KEXP, BBC6 and KCRW, placing “Los Muñequitos” in Jeremy Sole’s Top 10 songs of 2024. With a new record slated for Spring 2026 and touring on the horizon, the anticipation continues to build.