Los Angeles is thought for its various cultural panorama, however Miriam Haregot is ensuring East African music and traditions have a spot of their very own. Because the founding father of Motherland Sounds, Haregot has constructed a motion that blends music, group, and cultural resilience.
What started as a easy thought— “Let’s simply attempt”—rapidly took off, gaining momentum by way of social media and phrase of mouth. Now, Motherland Sounds is a staple in LA’s nightlife, providing an genuine area for folks to rejoice the vibrancy of East Africa.
Haregot, an Eritrean entrepreneur, runs Motherland Sounds alongside a staff of 5 Ethiopians. Collectively, they’re devoted to showcasing the fantastic thing about East African tradition in a metropolis the place African narratives are sometimes West African-dominated.
“We’re East African, and from our standpoint, we present the world what it’s like on the East aspect of Africa as a result of there’s plenty of publicity on the West,” Haregot informed the Sentinel.
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Every Motherland Sounds occasion is curated to supply an unforgettable expertise. Lately, they hosted a sequence at Issa Rae’s new venue, Misplaced, in downtown LA. Whereas the area was an important alternative, Haregot rapidly realized that authenticity issues most to her viewers.
“Once we couldn’t usher in our personal East African-centered meals, it form of shifted the group,” she defined. “The situation change made a distinction. We’re coming again on March 26, and this time, we’re giving folks one of the best of each worlds. We listened to their suggestions, and I’m excited to indicate them what we’ve been engaged on.”
Past music, Haregot has a deep ardour for group service. By way of her P.A.C.Ok. Undertaking, she leads initiatives like Feed the Homies, a program that has supplied high-quality, home-cooked meals to L.A.’s unhoused inhabitants each final Saturday of the month for the previous three years.
“We’ve fed over 10,000 folks, rotating cooks and cuisines each month,” she mentioned. “It provides folks on the road one thing to look ahead to. We’ve constructed a robust group of volunteers, cooks, and eating places—primarily serving Skid Row and surrounding areas.”
Wanting forward, Haregot desires to broaden her influence. “My objective for 2025 is to create a self-sustaining shelter. I need to begin with the youngsters—instructing them life abilities to assist break the cycle.”
Earlier than launching her personal platform, Haregot labored behind the scenes within the music trade, collaborating with main artists like Beyoncé and Lil’ Kim and dealing intently with 1500 or Nothin,’ a collective identified for producing and directing among the largest reside reveals.
“I really like watching an artist’s journey,” she mentioned. “Working with 1500 or Nothin’ on excursions, artists, and budgets opened up my perspective on what it takes to be a part of a conglomerate. They don’t simply produce music—they create an expertise.”
Now, she’s shifting to the artist aspect of the trade. Nonetheless, her journey hasn’t been with out challenges. A traumatic assault left her emotionally, mentally, and financially shaken, finally costing her job.
“That have knocked me down, however I rebuilt myself. I ask plenty of questions, I make myself a helpful asset, and I let my work communicate for itself,” she harassed.
Haregot has additionally realized the ability of strolling away from conditions that not serve her. She beforehand performed a key position within the model Keep The Thriller in LA, however after a tough enterprise scenario, she made the choice to step again.
“It harm my coronary heart to take away myself,” she admitted. “However I can’t let you know how way more peace I’ve now. That’s priceless. And it’s affirming to know I can replicate that vitality into something I need to do.”
Miriam Haregot’s story is one in every of resilience, ardour, and dedication. Whether or not by way of music or service, she is proving that whenever you lead with authenticity, the correct folks will observe.
