Tou Saiko lee

musician / poet / community educator

musician / poet / community educator

BIOGRAPHY

Tou Saiko Lee is a spoken word poet, storyteller, hip hop recording artist, and community organizer from Saint Paul, Minnesota. His work bridges traditional Hmong oral arts with contemporary forms of expression, creating a unique voice that uplifts culture, identity, and community. One of his most meaningful collaborations was with his late grandmother, Youa Chang (Zuag Tsab), a practitioner of kwv txhiaj (traditional Hmong poetry chanting). Together, they formed the duo Fresh Traditions, blending intergenerational artistry to highlight the strength of cultural continuity.

As the founder of Street Stops and Mountain Tops, Lee has created an international platform connecting teaching artists from the United States with Hmong youth in Southeast Asia, fostering dialogue and creativity across borders. His leadership was recognized in 2016 when he was awarded the Bush Foundation Leadership Fellowship, which allowed him to deepen his focus on the role of art and creativity in preserving cultural identity.

Lee is also an author and recording artist. He is currently writing a memoir, My Grandma Can Freestyle, which honors the memory of his grandmother and their groundbreaking artistic partnership. In addition, he released his debut Hmong-language hip hop album, Ntiaj Teb Koom Tes (Unified Worldwide), in 2019, weaving together themes of unity, resilience, and shared humanity.

Through performance, mentorship, and organizing, Lee continues to use art as a tool for social change, inspiring the next generation of storytellers to find strength and power in their voices.

Qualifications

Tou Saiko Lee is an accomplished songwriter who creates music rooted in both personal and collective stories, blending contemporary hip hop with traditional Hmong influences. He is an experienced performer, known for his spoken word, live music, and collaborative stage work that engages diverse audiences. Beyond his artistry, Lee is an activist who uses his creative practice to address issues of cultural preservation, identity, and social justice. He is also a dedicated community organizer, having led local and international initiatives that connect artists and youth in efforts to build stronger, more resilient communities.

skills

  • songwriter

  • performer

  • activist

  • community organizer

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