World Music Encounters: Season 3
The Soulfulness of Jon Muq—a Ugandan in Austin
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025
5-7 p.m., Historic Church
Jon Muq is an Austin-based singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist originally from Kampala, Uganda. He grew up listening to the music of East Africa and was introduced to Western music through the USA For Africa anthem "We Are the World." He first picked up a guitar at age 19, believing the instrument would "give me answers."
His unlikely journey to Austin began with Jon performing on the tumultuous streets of Kampala. A video of his busking led to a gig on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, which helped him get a passport and visa to move to the U.S. in 2018.
In Austin, his music caught the attention of Black Keys guitarist Dan Auerbach, who signed him to his record label, Easy Eye Sound. Auerbach produced Muq's 2024 debut album, "Flying Away." Jon’s music is a soulful blend of pop, folk, and African sounds. His songs are deeply connected to his own story. His lyrics explore themes of resilience and hope, drawing on his own life experiences as an immigrant from Africa.
Muq’s star is rising. He has performed alongside artists Norah Jones and Billy Joel, and he just completed a North American tour with the female folk trio, I’m With Her. So far in 2025, he has performed in the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, and at festivals in the USA.
Despite his busy touring schedule, Jon continues to devote time to charitable organizations in both the USA and Uganda.
Since its launch in September 2023, World Music Encounters has featured the music of foreign-born artists mainly living in the Austin area.
WME is a non-profit endeavor and a musical gift of St. David’s Episcopal Church to the community. It is produced by former NPR national correspondent and St Dave’s parishioner John Burnett, along with the hard-working church staff at St. David's Episcopal Church.
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