Jon Muq (Uganda / Usa)

Plus1 proudly presents the debut New Zealand tour for Jon Muq – the fast rising singer-songwriter born in Uganda and now living in Austin, Texas.

Drawing from African as well as western musical trends and traditions, Muq devises songs as small gifts, designed to settle into everyday life and provoke reflection and resilience.

Says Jon Muq: “These days the world is sad, so I wanted to make happy songs. I wanted to write songs that connected with the listener in a very personal way. When someone listens to my music, it’s not just about me and what I’m singing. It’s about how they understand the songs individually. I think these songs can speak many languages, depending on what you want from them.”

Muq’s experiences as a child in Uganda and as a man in America give him a unique perspective on the world he’s addressing. “I grew up in a very different life, where so many people pass through hard times just because they don’t have much. Our biggest issue was food scarcity. Then I came to a different world, which gave me a picture of how to write a song that can find balance with everyone wherever they are, whether they have a lot or not much.”

His acclaimed debut album ‘FlyingAway’ released in May this year with producer Dan Auerbach, as well as tours with Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Mavis Staples,Amythyst Kiah, Corinne Bailey Rae, and others – has seen Muq’s music speaking to more and more people.

“Jon Muq Debuts With Soaring, Soulful ‘Flying Away’” – Maeri Ferguson, No Depression, 29 May 2024.