12 Mar Special Guest Ahmed Moneka

We are overjoyed to welcome Ahmed Moneka as a guest song-leader on March 21st in the Annex. A musician, singer, and actor, Ahmed was born in Baghdad to an artistic family. His mission has focused on human rights and freedoms in Iraq, eventually turning his lifelong passion into a life-changing predicament. In 2015, Ahmed travelled to Toronto for the world premiere of his new film, The Society — in which he played a gay character. The film exposed the indignities facing LGBT people in Iraq. In response to the film, Iraqi militia threatened Ahmed’s family — they were told that if he ever returned to Iraq, that he would be killed. Out of options and fearing for his life, Ahmed sought and succeeded in attaining asylum in Canada in 2016.

We asked Ahmed two questions about community singing. Here are his answers:

Q: What kind of songs do you love to sing with people?

A: I love singing about love because it’s my belief and philosophy. I also love singing traditional family songs with people, as it reminds me of amazing memories.

Q: What does singing with people mean to you?

A: For me, singing with people means being united, feeling connection, and a powerful way to be together.

Join us on March 21st as Ahmed leads us in heart-opening songs and stories from his life in the middle east, and his journey to Canada. Here are the details:

Sing for Joy: Special Guest Ahmed Moneka
Wednesday, March 21, 7:30-9:30 pm
Lotus Yoga Centre, 100 Harbord Street
Sliding Scale: $10-20

To read more about Ahmed’s life and journey from Baghdad to Toronto, click HERE.