Jon Muq: Singing His Story Across Continents

Born in Uganda and now calling Austin, Texas, home, singer-songwriter Jon Muq views music as a conversation—a bridge between people, emotions, and experiences. Drawing from African and Western traditions, his songs are crafted as small gifts, designed to evoke resilience and reflection. “These days the world is sad,” Muq says. “I wanted to make happy songs that connect with listeners on a personal level. It’s not just about what I’m singing—it’s about how they understand the songs individually.”

Muq’s music is shaped by his childhood in Uganda and his experiences as an immigrant in America. Growing up amidst food scarcity, he learned to create songs that resonate universally, balancing themes for audiences with much or little. “I write songs that can find balance with everyone, wherever they are.”

As Muq finishes his debut album with producer Dan Auerbach and tours with artists like Billy Joel, Norah Jones, and Mavis Staples, his mission to connect through music grows stronger.

Discovering Music

Muq’s journey into music began early. At 7, he was captivated by the brass band at his school, later joining to play the bugle. When he transferred to a school without a band, he discovered the choir and was enthralled by its harmonies. Sneaking into the choir room at night, he was adopted as a mascot and given shakers to play—a formative experience in following sound.

A pivotal moment came during a visit to Kampala, where a CD of We Are the World exposed him to modern Western music. He obsessively mimicked the vocals, expanding his vocal range and mastering English songwriting. His first song, Always as One, stemmed from a love letter he wrote for a friend—a letter that successfully mended a relationship.

By 18, Muq encountered a guitar for the first time. Seeing it “made sense” to him, opening a new world of musical possibilities. He taught himself to play, borrowing the instrument for gigs and serenading audiences. A viral video of him singing to homeless children earned him a job entertaining on a Norwegian cruise line, which ultimately helped launch his international career.

Writing from the Heart

Muq’s songwriting process is intuitive and conversational. “I don’t sit down and say, ‘I’m going to write a song now.’ Most times, I’m playing the guitar while someone is talking, and a melody or idea emerges.” This organic approach resulted in many of the tracks on his debut album, including One You Love, a poignant yet hopeful song inspired by a past relationship.

Dan Auerbach encouraged Muq to transform the slow ballad into an upbeat, danceable track. “It was not a happy experience, but that didn’t stop me from writing something positive,” Muq reflects.

On the Road

Now based in Austin, Muq spends much of his time touring, bringing his music to audiences around the world. His aim remains the same: to create connection and foster understanding through music.

“When I came to America, I was very lost. I didn’t have a plan—I just followed instinct. Music helps me communicate with people intimately and makes me feel less alone.”

With his debut album on the horizon, Jon Muq continues to chase sound, crafting songs that speak to the human experience across cultures and continents.