Moneka Arabic Jazz
ensemble
Moneka Arabic Jazz
Moneka Arabic Jazz is a project reflecting the life and artistic journey of its founder, Ahmed, from Baghdad to Toronto. It showcases melodies from his homeland, Iraq, interwoven with the African groove and rhythms inherited from the Moneka Family.
Ahmed often draws inspiration for songwriting from extensive research into stories from Iraq and contemporary local and global realities. Having arrived in Toronto, Canada, his aim is to share this rich heritage and traditions with local musicians. Jazz and blues emerge as the ideal genres for bridging his Afro-Arabic background with the captivating musical diversity of Toronto’s performers.
Ahmed Moneka, percussion, vocals
Waleed Abdulhamid, electric bass, vocals
Demetrios Petsalakis, oud, guitare
Fathi Najem, electric violin, kora
Ernie Tollar, Arabic flute, saxophone
Max Sennitt, drums
