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 came from Baghdad to Toronto, 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 sophomore, 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 Jesse LaVercombe and 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.