Maimouna “Luna E†Youssef is a seasoned singer, emcee, songwriter and poet. The Baltimore native was born into a family of exceptional artists. She began performing traditional African and Native American songs on stage with her family at the age of five. As a youth she joined the Baltimore/Washington based musical theater group, called Uprising. Maimouna toured nationally with Uprising as a lead vocalist. In addition, the young Youssef played a leading role in the Broadway musical “Once on this Island.†Other theatrical experiences include the original trio showcase “Three Generations†that consisted of Maimouna Youssef, her mother Nataska Hummingbird, and her grandmother, Mountain Eagle Woman.
After graduating from Washington DC’s Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts with scholastic honors in the Literary Media department, Maimouna Youssef attended college at the New York Film Academy where she wrote and directed her first short film entitled, Confronting Colonization. But after a few months she returned back to her hometown to reassess her purpose and find her creative niche. Shortly after, Youssef along with her cousin Omari “AzIz†Forman-Bey, formed the jazz/hip-hop/funk/ band, called Cirius B. In the spring of 2003 the duo completed the recording of their independent debut album entitled “Subversive Activity.†Baltimore welcomed Cirius B with open arms.
Also in 2003, Maimouna Youssef won the title of “Baltimore’s Idol†appearing frequently on Baltimore’s Fox 45 morning show as well as several local radio stations including 92.3FM’s Big Phat Morning show and Morgan University’s own WEAA. This Idol competition won Youssef mass appeal in Baltimore, which she, and the non-profit organization, Womb Work used to promote cultural and social awareness. Youssef was instrumental in developing a city wide hip-hop summit where topics such as hip hop and its influence on today’s youth was explored. Youssef’s artistic talents and philanthropy was featured in the Baltimore’s City Paper as part of her first of many media write-ups.
In 2004 Luna E and band mate AzIz relocated to Philadelphia to work with Grammy Award winning producer, James Poyser. There, Youssef’s dreams began to materialize when she was introduced to many of her favorite and most respected artists including the legendary hip - hop band the Roots. Youssef was asked to sing lead vocals on their new hit single, “ It don’t feel right.†Shortly thereafter, she was packing her bags as she joined the Roots on their world tour.
She began stealing the hearts of audiences throughout the U.S. and around the world as she shared stages with such artists as Angelique Kidjo, Big Daddy Kane, Nas, Dead Prez, Wilco, Zap Mama, Cody Chestnut and Martin Luther, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli. Youssef rocked the stages of many renowned venues such as Denver Colorado ‘s Red Rocks amphitheater, New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, and Switzerland’s Moniteau Jazz Festival. Her musical endeavors was a springboard for Youssef to make her big screen debut. Youssef can be seen performing live with Dead Prez in Dave Chapelle’s hip hop documentary “Block Party.â€
Maimouna is very dedicated to her music and plans to use all of her historical, musical, and travel experiences to create songs that will inspire future generations to live passionately, follow their dreams, and contribute to social improvement.