Meet Yasmin Shawamreh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yasmin Shawamreh. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Mama Yaya is a Chicago-based singer/songwriter of Palestinian and Jewish descent. She showcases a unique blend of musical skills to tell her story. 

She began her music/acting career officially in the 5th grade and has since performed at venues such as U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago Symphony Center, Pritzker Pavilion, Uncommon Ground, Refuge Live, Underground Wonder Bar, B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted, Buddy Guy Legends, Thalia Hall, Kingston Mines, Skokie Theater, and many more. She performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for the Deaf and Loud Symphonic Experience. 

In the summer of 2018, Mama Yaya signed with Detroit producer Jake Bass at Boca J Music. In the fall of 2019, she was invited to audition for American Idol, where she received the golden ticket from all three celebrity judges and made it up to round 2 during Hollywood week. They have since released her EP “Broken Record” which debuted at number 48 on the iTunes Pop Charts. It also reached number 14 on Amazon’s Hot New Pop Releases and number 62 on Amazon’s Best Seller’s Chart in Pop. 

Most recently, Mama Yaya performed as Siren on Fox TV’s new singing competition show – “Alter Ego.” She performed “I Put A Spell On You,” “I’m Going Down,” and “Rise Up.” She was judged by will.i.am, Grimes, Alanis Morissette, and Nick Lachey. She has been mentioned in the Rolling Stones Magazine, The Atlantic in other publications and featured in several television interviews. 

This year, she has performed with Sofar Sounds all over Chicago. She performed as a backup singer with Leon Bridges. She’s performed with The Fly Honeys at Thalia Hall. Mama Yaya was also on Chicago’s WGN and performed at the NAAM Show. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I’ve gone through tons of trauma and heartache. 

Nevertheless, she persists. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My stage name is Mama Yaya, and I am an artist. I am known for my vocals. I’m most proud of my resilience and persistence. 

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I dealt with a ton of bullying. It was difficult. I suffered with anxiety and depression, and I just did my best to power through it. Music was always the one thing that made me feel great. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mamayayamusic.com
• Instagram: @mamayayamusic
• Facebook: @mamayayamusic
• Twitter: @mamayayamusic
• Youtube: @mamayayamusic

Image Credits
Alter Ego
Billy Weinger