‘We All Keep Learning’: Jon Muq's Powerful Message Resonates with SCH Students

During his visit to SCH yesterday, Jon Muq, this year's Jamie Bell ’78 Music Fund Artist, shared an inspiring message with students. A singer-songwriter originally from Kampala, Uganda, Muq emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, a theme that aligns perfectly with SCH’s mission to inspire unbounded curiosity in its students.

Students were struck by the contrast between Muq’s considerable fame—having performed alongside stars like Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae, Dua Lipa, and Benson Boone at some of the industry’s largest music festivals, singing to crowds of 75,000 people—and the deeper lessons he imparted. While his impressive career might suggest that fame is the hallmark of an inspiring artist, it was Muq’s courage, resilience, and dedication to using his voice for positive change that resonated with the students.

“Muq’s music has empowered him to make a difference in the world, which helped our students see how the arts can offer them a voice and purpose," said SCH’s director of arts, Megan Monaghan.

“When I was in Africa, I didn’t have a lot. It wasn’t until I found this instrument that I knew I was a musician. Music showed me my purpose—before I even knew what a purpose was,” Muq shared with the students.

Having moved from Kampala to Austin, TX, Muq not only learned English but also adapted to a new culture, infusing his music with experiences drawn from both his African roots and American influences. “When I came here, I knew a few songs,” Muq recalled. “I could not speak English. I kept learning, and I’m still learning. We all keep learning.”

Muq, a vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends African and Western musical influences, has captivated global audiences. He produced his debut album with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, further cementing his place in the international music scene. Through his work, Muq consistently shares the universal language of music. His performance at SCH demonstrated this power, as he spoke about his hit song "Shake Shake," created to move people through the language of dance, regardless of their native tongue. A viral video of Ugandan children dancing to the song marked a joyful full-circle moment for Muq, reflecting the song’s global impact.

“Most times, people think outside of the moment to write a song, but I believe in the moment,” Muq explained in response to a Middle Schooler’s question about his songwriting process. “I write about anything true and honest.”

Muq’s visit was a reminder that, no matter where we come from, we all keep learning—an inspiring lesson that SCH students will no doubt carry with them far into the future. 

“We’re excited to share that our community will hopefully have the opportunity to connect and learn from Jon Muq once again next year,” says Monaghan, “when he returns to give a community performance in our newly renovated Rec, made possible by the incredible generosity of the Jamie Bell ’78 Music Fund. This is a wonderful example of the lasting impact of this fund.”