Los Angeles is known for its diverse cultural landscape, but Miriam Haregot is making sure East African music and traditions have a place of their own. As the founder of Motherland Sounds, Haregot has built a movement that blends music, community, and cultural resilience.
What began as a simple idea— “Let’s just try”—quickly took off, gaining momentum through social media and word of mouth. Now, Motherland Sounds is a staple in LA’s nightlife, offering an authentic space for people to celebrate the vibrancy of East Africa.
Haregot, an Eritrean entrepreneur, runs Motherland Sounds alongside a team of five Ethiopians. Together, they are dedicated to showcasing the beauty of East African culture in a city where African narratives are often West African-dominated.
“We’re East African, and from our point of view, we show the world what it’s like on the East side of Africa because there’s a lot of exposure on the West,” Haregot told the Sentinel.
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Each Motherland Sounds event is curated to offer an unforgettable experience. Recently, they hosted a series at Issa Rae’s new venue, Lost, in downtown LA. While the space was a great opportunity, Haregot quickly learned that authenticity matters most to her audience.
“When we couldn’t bring in our own East African-centered food, it kind of shifted the crowd,” she explained. “The location change made a difference. We’re coming back on March 26, and this time, we’re giving people the best of both worlds. We listened to their feedback, and I’m excited to show them what we’ve been working on.”
Beyond music, Haregot has a deep passion for community service. Through her P.A.C.K. Project, she leads initiatives like Feed the Homies, a program that has provided high-quality, home-cooked meals to L.A.’s unhoused population every last Saturday of the month for the past three years.
“We’ve fed over 10,000 people, rotating chefs and cuisines every month,” she said. “It gives people on the street something to look forward to. We’ve built a strong community of volunteers, chefs, and restaurants—mainly serving Skid Row and surrounding areas.”
Looking ahead, Haregot wants to expand her impact. “My goal for 2025 is to create a self-sustaining shelter. I want to start with the children—teaching them life skills to help break the cycle.”
Before launching her own platform, Haregot worked behind the scenes in the music industry, collaborating with major artists like Beyoncé and Lil’ Kim and working closely with 1500 or Nothin,’ a collective known for producing and directing some of the biggest live shows.
“I love watching an artist’s journey,” she said. “Working with 1500 or Nothin’ on tours, artists, and budgets opened up my perspective on what it takes to be part of a conglomerate. They don’t just produce music—they create an experience.”
Now, she’s shifting to the artist side of the industry. However, her journey hasn’t been without challenges. A traumatic assault left her emotionally, mentally, and financially shaken, eventually costing her job.
“That experience knocked me down, but I rebuilt myself. I ask a lot of questions, I make myself a valuable asset, and I let my work speak for itself,” she stressed.
Haregot has also learned the power of walking away from situations that no longer serve her. She previously played a key role in the brand Maintain The Mystery in LA, but after a difficult business situation, she made the decision to step back.
“It hurt my heart to remove myself,” she admitted. “But I can’t tell you how much more peace I have now. That’s priceless. And it’s affirming to know I can replicate that energy into anything I want to do.”
Miriam Haregot’s story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication. Whether through music or service, she is proving that when you lead with authenticity, the right people will follow.
