AHMED MONEKA
As a multidisciplinary artist, I specialize in acting for theatre and film, as well as Afro-Middle Eastern music. I am a citizen of both Canada and Iraq and I am based in Toronto. My upbringing in Baghdad, Iraq exposed me to a rich musical culture that celebrated and preserved Afro-Iraqi traditions. As an artist, I aim to promote acceptance and foster a sense of global community by bridging cultures and dispelling misconceptions about my Arab heritage.
"Love is the main reason for a great future"
بصفتي فنانًا متعدد التخصصات، أتخصص في التمثيل في المسرح والسينما، بالإضافة إلى الموسيقى االافريقية العربيه أنا مواطنا كندي وعراقي وأقيم في تورنتو. لقد عرّفتني نشأتي في بغداد بالعراق على ثقافة موسيقية غنية احتفلت بالتقاليد الأفريقة -الصوفية-العراقية. كفنانا، أهدف إلى تعزيز القبول و الشعور بالمجتمع العالمي من خلال ربط الثقافات وتبديد المفاهيم الخاطئة حول تراثي العربي.
الحب هو سبب رئيسي لمستقبل عظيم
Moneka Merch
MUSIC
Moneka Arabic Jazz
This project reflects Ahmed's journey and culture in the Toronto music scene. It introduces ‘maqam’ style Arabic music skills that he learned in Baghdad, Iraq, where he grew up, mixed with African groove and rhythm inherited from his African sufi descendants, the well-known Moneka family. Because Ahmed’s journey brought him in 2015 to Toronto, Canada, he has been honoured to collaborate with fascinating local musicians and share this heritage and traditions. Jazz, Maqam and funk are a way to bridge his Afro-Arabic background to the diversity of Toronto performers. This ensemble instantly made a splash in Toronto’s music community and toured all over Canada in 2024 after releasing his debut Album, KANZAFULA. Moneka Arabic Jazz has become an international band that has Toured Colombia, Chile, the USA and South Korea.
Other projects:
Management & Enquiries: lulaworldrecords@gmail.com
Shows
Seoul Gugak Week Sep 1st Seoul, South Korea
Nonsan World Festival Sep 7th Nonsan, South Korea
SEOUL MUSIC WEEK Sep 8th Gwanghwamun, South Korea
Francophonie en Fête Sep 14th Fort York, Toronto ON
Drom Taberna Sep 20th Drom,Toronto ON
ACTING
Ahmed is a talented black Iraqi actor who studied theatre at the Institute of Fine Arts and later at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Baghdad. He became the youngest member of the Iraqi National Theater and the first black Iraqi to host a television program. Ahmed played the lead role of Romeo in Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Shakespeare Company in England.
Moneka's introduction to the world of Canadian art began in 2015 when a film he had acted in screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. This was the first film in Iraq to depict gay men, which led to him receiving threats from militias in Baghdad that prevented their return. He had no choice but to stay in Toronto.
In Toronto, he collaborated with several film and Theatre companies, including the Crow's Theatre, Soulpepper Theatre, Driftwood Theatre Group, Jabari Dance Theatre, Modern Times Stage and Others. He held various positions, including artist-in-residence with Driftwood Theatre Group and a member of Noteworthy The Musical Stage & Prime Mover. Member of the prestigious Soulpepper Academy in 2021. Co-founder of TRIA Theatre Company. Nominated for two Dora Awards for Leading Role in 2023 Bangel Tiger at The Baghdad Zoo and 2024 for King Gilgamesh and The Man of the Wild
AMI - Artist Management Inc Stephanie@amiagency.ca
WRITING
Ahmed co-wrote:
- King Gilgamesh and the Man of the Wild with Jesse LaVercombe and Seth Buckley Tria Threatre ( Soulpepper, LaMAMA Theatre, The Jungle Theatre)
- Spaciousness with Nicky Lawrence an immersive theatre piece for The Historic Site of Fort York in 2022 and 2023.
- The Onion Cellar He is developing with Jeremy Smith and DriftWood theatre
Other projects soon to be shared. Full resume link
Management and agency https://mqlit.ca/playwrights/ahmed-moneka/
CONTACT
