Ahmed Moneka was born in Baghdad, Iraq. In 2011, Ahmed starred in the shortfile THE SOCIETY, which screened at Cannes, Berlinale, and the Toronto International Film Festival. THE SOCIETY 2015 deals with issues of homosexuality in Iraq, and for this Ahmed received threats and was unable toreturn to Iraq. He remained in Toronto and is now working to become a Canadiancitizen. His current projects include performing vocals and drums with amulticultural folk band, Mosquitto Bar, with French accordionist Tangi Roparsand Ukranian cimbalon player Yura Rafalui, and he is also conducting a series of workshops in Toronto on traditional Iraqi music, called "The MonekaMonologues".