Ugandan-born, Austin, TX-resident Jon Muq writes and performs highly-crafted, intimate, conversational songs about love and everyday life. He mixes African rhythms and Western folk, rock and soul, which he calls his songs personal gifts to you. Growing up in the slums of Kampala, although music was an early obsession, Muq didn’t play an instrument. But at seven years old he often climbed onto the stage among the horn players in his school’s brass band and soaked it in. “It was so loud. I loved it.” People would ask, “who is this strange little boy up there?” Then came an epiphany with a We Are the World CD, which was his first exposure to Western pop. He deemed it fascinating and learned to mimic and master all 21 vocal solos – from Kim Carnes to Stevie Wonder. At 19 he borrowed a guitar and taught himself to play. The first song he wrote was based on a love letter he dictated for a friend, a song he still performs. Muq eventually landed a gig on a cruise ship, then followed his muse to America and started uploading videos. One caught the attention of Black Keys guitarist Dan Auerbach who produced his debut album – 2024’s Flying Away. Muq says, “These days the world is sad, so I want to make happy songs.” Amen to that.

- Eric Rosenbaum