Mitchum Yacoub & The Brass Empire

Mitchum Yacoub is an Egyptian-American multi-instrumentalist, producer, and DJ based out of San Diego. 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 the 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.

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 Sean 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,” brings the experience home as a showcase in his unique approach to roots music; Mitchum Yacoub is an Egyptian-American multi-instrumentalist, producer, and DJ based out of San Diego. 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 the 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.

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 Sean 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,” 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 you from your seat and leave you wanting more.

Stay tuned for an announcement about the supporting artist!

Stay tuned for an announcement about the supporting artist!

Host or Publisher Crazy Horse Saloon and Grill