Mim Suleiman
Meet the Metal-Scientist-Turned-Singer Songwriter, Writing a Swahili Cookbook
Mim says that time: ‘With no more than a strong musical attachment to my spirit I found myself in ‘music’; singing, writing and constantly learning. With no formal musical background I embarked on a journey that I knew nothing about but I knew what I knew and I knew what was possible. Music has always been in my blood. I guess it was just a matter of time!
Mim Suleiman has been described as Mama Africa of the modern Era. Defies categorisation. A boundary crossing performer, she reaches deep into her East African heritage to blend traditional Taarab vibes with dub, jazz, soul and funk.
‘Her Music echoes the rich influence of Swahili coastal traditions and beyond, mixing the styles with unusual instrument combinations delivering her heartfelt lyrics with her startling vocal range.” A gifted composer and songwriter in both English and Swahili, she sings in a variety of languages including Fula. Mingi, a song from her debut album Tungi released in 2010 is said to be the first African Song to be featured in Grand Theft Auto V. Produced by Maurice Fulton, since then they have released three more albums: It does not sound like they are about to stop!! Since then they have released: Umbeya – 2012, Adera Dera in 2015 and Kawaida 2017
“Music for the world, led by the powerhouse that is Mim Suleiman and her lyrics about love and affection, freedom, oppression, unity and everyday life!”
‘Suleiman’s music brings the knowledge and culture of her people to the forefront: whether through her traditional costumes or through interwoven proverbs and stories of older generations – as if time itself is shifting throughout her tunes’
A boundary crossing performer, she reaches deep into her East African heritage to blend traditional Taarab vibes with dub, jazz, soul and funk. Her versatile and charismatic presence have led to collaborations with some of the biggest names in Africa and the diaspora include Baaba Maal, Amadou & Mariam, Bassekou Kouyate, Fatoumata Diawara, Maurice Fulton, Rosin Murphy, Fantasma, Africa Express, Damon Albarn, Juldeh Camara, Justin Adams and Robert Plant.
In between shows from Buckingham Palace to Tasmania, Mim hosts her own live Tungi Shows, delivering Musical and inspirational workshops for young and old worldwide. Whilst travelling across East Africa filming uSISTA, to encounter women who tell their stories.
‘Suleiman is outrageously talented, wild haired with an electrifying voice - think Miriam Makeba meets Aretha Franklin’ (Dave Jarvis)
‘A fantastic fiery vocalist who never fails to indulge her audience, reaching deep into her East African traditions.’
AGENT
Ryan Keady
ryan@thepool-london.com
LOCATION
Sheffield, UK / Dublin, IE
AVAILABLE FOR
Live
PRONOUNS
She / Her