Concertagenda Jon Muq

Some stories are every bit as unbelievable as they are heartwarming. The story of Ugandan Jon Muq definitely fits into this category. Muq grew up in the impoverished outskirts of Kampala. From an early age, he clearly showed signs of artistic talent. On the daily footslog to school, he started noticing a man playing a guitar - a rare sight indeed in a country like Uganda. Discovering the instrument felt like a calling, with Muq hanging around this guitar player every day to try and pick up a few hints. He soon started writing his own songs as if he had been born to it. Drawing inspiration from dreams, his own everyday life and the lives of others. A friend of his posted a video of Muq on Facebook and only a few weeks later, he was the house artist on a cruise boat.

In 2018, when he was 24, the Ugandan decided to set his aims higher, fully intent on moving up to the next level. He had read somewhere that SXSW - the main showcase festival in world, held in Austin, Texas - could be just the thing for budding musicians. He felt that it was his calling, that he had to go there. Muq travelled out to the States.  A show of confidence which proved to be well justified, as Muq never left Austin. He is now working there as a musician, producer and songwriter. And he is making quite a name for himself, playing all over America with Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Mavis Staples, Corinne Bailey Rae and recorded his debut album with Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys). Gent Jazz visitors will have every opportunity to get acquainted with this unique musician and his soulful pop music.

For fans of: Michael Kiwanuka, Tracy Chapman, Vieux Farka Touré