Ahmed Moneka presents a vibrant and transcendent fusion of African rhythms and Arabic folk melodies, enriched by contemporary influences of funk, soul, and jazz. Reflecting on his personal journey as an artist, actor, and activist—who fled Baghdad for Toronto as a refugee after his involvement in a film about gay rights—Moneka, alongside his stellar global ensemble, invites listeners to a jubilant celebration of life. His music explores love in all its forms while evoking a deep sense of longing for one’s homeland, all through original compositions and timeless Middle Eastern classics.
- Ahmed Moneka
During his formative years in Iraq, he learned traditional songs and drumming as part of a family tradition that dates back to the 8th century. Later, he was accepted into one of Iraq’s top high schools for the performing arts, where he studied a range of disciplines from theatre to the singing of maqam—the intricate scales and nuances of Middle Eastern music. These experiences gave him diverse perspectives on the world and his place within it. He went on to attend the Academy of Fine Arts at the University of Baghdad, where he became deeply moved by stories of human struggle and the pursuit of freedom. It was during this time that he began to shape his convictions about human rights through his art, voice, and song.
- Waleed Abdulhamid – bass guitar, vocals.
Waleed was born in Sudan and began performing at the age of 6. He toured across his country, as well as Egypt, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Waleed is known for bringing traditional rhythms into popular music in Sudan.
- Demetri Petsalakis – guitar, oud.
From Greece, Demetri Petsalakis performs on Greek and Middle Eastern lutes. A busy freelancer, Demetri performs with world music groups and orchestras and holds a Master of Music degree in jazz guitar and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in music from York University.
- Fathi Najem – electric violin, kora.
Fathi began his musical journey in Algeria, learning Arabic violin. World music collaborations there introduced him to the kora which he plays in a variety of world music contexts.
- Ernie Tollar – sax, Arabic flute.
Ernie has performed jazz sax internationally and also plays Raga and Maqam music from India and the Arab world.
- Max Sennitt – drum kit.
Max is one of Toronto’s most in demand drum kit players who mixes Jazz and Funk easily with traditional music.
