We recently connected with Yasmin Shawamreh and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Yasmin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
For as long as I can remember, singing was always a passion of mine. I was always told to pursue other careers, but even up to this day, my music career is my number one priority.
Yasmin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I began my music/acting career officially in the 5th grade during our school plays. I knew then that this was something I wanted to focus on throughout my life. My advice if you’re starting out in performing is to perform as much as possible and accept almost all opportunities no matter how big or small. Networking with others and choosing the right people to work with is incredibly important. I am most proud that I never gave up on my music career despite being told that I should.
In the summer of 2018, I signed with Detroit producer Jake Bass at Boca J Music. We have music streaming on all platforms and are excited to release new work this year. In 2021, I performed as Siren on Fox TV’s new singing competition show – “Alter Ego”. I performed “I Put A Spell On You”, “I’m Going Down” and “Rise Up.” I was judged by will.i.am, Grimes, Alanis Morissette, and Nick Lachey. My stage name “Mama Yaya” has been mentioned in the Rolling Stones Magazine, The Atlantic, in other publications and featured in several television interviews.
Most recently and throughout 2022, I’ve performed with Sofar Sounds Chicago, The NAMM Show, Buddy Guy Legend’s, The Fly Honeys at Thalia Hall, WGN Morning News in Chicago, Fox 32 Chicago, Fox 2 Detroit, Arts Beats and Eats in Michigan, iO Chicago for Brandon Johnson, and backup vocals for Leon Bridge’s tour in Chicago. I’ll be performing for the Motor City Pride Fest on June 11th 2023 at 4pm.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is getting feedback from listeners that my music has helped them in some way. Whether that be that I made them feel less alone or understood, I’m just happy to hear when people enjoy what we create.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
In my opinion, I wish there were options for more artists to be able to create without having to juggle so many other jobs. I hope that one day society can appreciate artists more and take creativity more seriously. I wish we had more programs that paid artists to work on their crafts full time. I can only imagine the incredible art that would come of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mamayayamusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamayayamusic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamayayamusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mamayayamusic?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/YazSpaz22
Image Credits
Alter Ego Gold Point Studio Billy Weinger