Events

Drawing on his Afro-Sufi musical heritage, Juno-nominated 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’s recently released ophomore, Juno-nominated album Kanzafula is the first Canadian-Iraqi record to be nominated for the prestigious Juno Award. In addition to this achievement, he also received the Dora Award and the Stingray Rising Star Award. Ahmed is collaborating with The Tragically Hip on the 2026 production of It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken, a musical based on the band’s iconic Canadian catalogue, alongside Michael Rubinoff, the producer of Come Away With Me.

ARTIST WEBSITE: https://www.ahmedmoneka.com/

ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Ahmed Moneka is a multi-talented artist from Baghdad, Iraq, with specializations in acting, music, and writing. As an Afro-Iraqi, he has a deep connection to his roots and culture, which he honours and preserves through his work. Ahmed’s artistic projects revolve around togetherness and harmony, which he believes are the core values of every endeavour he’s been a part of. His unique background and diverse skill set allow him to bring a fresh perspective to Canada’s entertainment industry.
Ahmed’s personal experiences in Iraq and his journey as a refugee seeking asylum in Canada eight years ago strongly influenced his art. He is passionate about telling stories of human struggle and freedom and using his art to promote human rights, love, peace, and acceptance. Ahmed believes in connecting cultures to create a “global community” and counter the negative, stereotypical perspective towards Middle Eastern culture.
He is the creator and leader of Moneka Arabic Jazz – one of the 2019 Stingray Rising Stars finalists at the Toronto Jazz Festival. And the Winner of the 2022 Stingray Rising in Mundial Montreal
the co-founder of the band Moskitto Bar and member of Kuné.

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.

Selcuk Suna – Saxophone. A Turkish-born saxophonist and clarinetist, Selcuk Suna frequently performs with top Turkish artists such as Ferhat Gocer & İskender Paydas.

Majd Sukar – Clarinet: Majd is a Syrian Canadian Clarinetist whose name has been distinguished in the Toronto music scene for his fusion music and unique sound. His style blends Middle Eastern folk and classical music with Jazz music in unparalleled practice.

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.