Tara Moneka

Tara Moneka is a Black Iraqi artist and singer whose music bridges cultures and traditions. Born in Baghdad and raised in a Sufi family, she was drawn to music from an early age, exploring the rich sounds of Afro-Sufi, Arabic, and Swahili influences. Her style blends Jazz, R&B, Soul, Funk, Blues, Maqam, and Afrobeat, creating a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Singing in multiple languages — including Arabic, English, Urdu, Spanish, Turkish, and Swahili — Tara embraces the diversity of music as a universal language. Her journey began at 13 when she first gained recognition on The Voice (Middle East) and collaborated with The Iraqi Children’s Culture House, experiences that shaped her path as an artist. As the lead of Dijlah, an all-women band named after the Tigris River, Tara uses her music to highlight women’s rights and empowerment. Over the years, she has had the privilege of working with respected institutions such as the Aga Khan Museum, Koerner Hall, Uma Nota Culture, and The Opera House. Tara’s music is more than sound — it’s an experience. A bridge between past and future, East and West, her performances are a journey of connection, transformation, and defiance against cultural boundaries. Wherever she sings, she ignites a revolution of rhythm and resilience.