Muzoon Almellehan: Staying True To Yourself

Explicit content warning

02/29/24 • 32 min

Good music is about being inspired by people, and one of the most inspirational people I've ever met is UNICEF Ambassador Muzoon Almellehan. In this weeks episode of ‘More in The Moni’ I sit down with Muzoon and talk about her life and discuss many of the challenges she has had to face.

Muzoon was born in 1999 in Syria and is a prominent activist and refugee whose tireless efforts have garnered her the title "Malala of Syria." Raised in the city of Daraa, Muzoon's upbringing was shaped by the dedication of her father, a schoolteacher, and the values instilled in her family.

The outbreak of the Syrian civil war forced Muzoon and her family to flee to Jordan in 2014, seeking refuge in overcrowded camps amidst the turmoil. Despite the upheaval, Muzoon remained steadfast in her pursuit of education, valuing her books above all else as they symbolized hope for a brighter future.

Her journey to the United Kingdom was marked by resilience and determination, as she negotiated her family's relocation under a government initiative aimed at aiding Syrian refugees. Settling in Newcastle, Muzoon faced the challenges of adjusting to a new language and culture, yet she remained undeterred in her pursuit of knowledge.

Muzoon's advocacy for girls' education emerged from her own experiences witnessing the plight of young girls forced into early marriages amidst the chaos of conflict. In refugee camps, she became a beacon of hope, urging parents to prioritise their daughters' education and empowering children to defy societal norms.

Her activism caught the attention of Malala Yousafzai, a fellow advocate for education, leading to a friendship that transcended borders. Inspired by Malala's unwavering dedication, Muzoon continued her advocacy, earning recognition on a global scale and eventually becoming the youngest GoodWill Ambassador of UNICEF in 2017.

Despite her newfound platform, Muzoon remained grounded in her mission to uplift marginalised communities, returning to Jordan to support students striving for education amidst the ravages of war. Her story serves as a testament to the power of education as a catalyst for change, inspiring countless individuals to persevere in the face of adversity.

Though Muzoon is not a figure of the music industry, I think we can all learn from her resilience, her determination and her ability to have a vision and stay true to herself. Tune in now!

https://linktr.ee/yehyehben

Though Muzoon is not a figure of the music industry, I think we can all learn from her resilience, her determination and her ability to have a vision and stay true to herself. Tune in now!

https://linktr.ee/yehyehben

Previous Episode

Tommy Emmanuel: Life As A Force Of Nature

In this podcast episode of “More In The Moni”, we spotlight the extraordinary life and career of guitar virtuoso, wizard, Jedi Knight of the guitar and all round legend: Mr William Thomas Emmanuel, affectionately known as Tommy. Born on May 31, 1955, in Australia, Tommy has left an indelible mark on the global stage as a renowned guitarist.

With an illustrious career in music, Tommy has earned widespread recognition for his solo work, boasting multiple award-winning recordings. In June 2010, he was honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), and in 2011, he secured a coveted spot in the Australian Roll of Renown. In 2019, MusicRadar acknowledged him as one of the world's top ten acoustic guitarists of all time, solidifying his status as a musical luminary.

Tommy's authenticity and genuine enthusiasm shine through in his live performances and recordings, capturing hearts across diverse audiences. His joy, rooted in an endless well of inspiration, transcends language barriers, creating an undeniable connection with listeners. As Tommy puts it, "When I was a kid, I wanted to be in show business. Now, I just want to be in the happiness business. I make music, and you get happy."

Throughout his career, Tommy has collaborated with esteemed musicians, including a notable performance alongside Stuart Fraser for the Concert for Rwanda at the invitation of John Farnham. His fearless fingerpicking guitar virtuosity earned him the title of "Certified Guitar Player" from the legendary Chet Atkins in 1999. Their subsequent collaboration on "The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World" elevated Tommy to new heights of recognition and respect.

Tommy's musical prowess has garnered him numerous accolades, including four Country Music Awards of Australia (CMAA) wins, two Australian Entertainment Mo Awards, and acclaim on the international stage with Grammy nominations, ARIA Awards, IBMA Awards, and various "Best Acoustic Guitarist" titles.

In an exclusive interview during his mid-tour, Tommy shares some fascinating insights on performing live and building an audience: "Regardless of Social Media and all of that, you still have to build it, you still have to create it. It’s up to you... have some good songs, make sure that what you do is absolutely something you can stand on - It’s rock solid.”

Tune in and listen to this heart warming and fascinating interview with the incredible Tommy Emmanuel, exploring the highs and inspirations that have shaped his remarkable journey in the world of music.

https://linktr.ee/yehyehben

Next Episode

John Garrison: Leave Your Ego At The Door

This episode of “More In The Moni” features musical powerhouse John Garrison, bass player for James Blunt, Robbie Williams and producer for Ed Sheeran...to name a few things. I first met John Garrison in 2011. We’ve been friends ever since and we bump in to each other once in a while when we’re not busy! John knew from a very early age that music was his calling. His father, a brilliant violinist and head of the music department at Warwick University, had a profound influence on him. Growing up on the campus of Warwick, John would walk through the halls and witness kettle drums, harps, and grand pianos waiting to be played. Music surrounded him, but he had a particular love for pop music, even though his father's taste leaned more toward classical compositions.

Years later, John founded the British alt-rock band Budapest, among numerous other incredible achievements. I had the opportunity to catch up with John online while he was on tour in Europe with James Blunt. Reflecting on his journey, John shares some valuable insights gained from his experiences. He revealed, "I realised that sometimes, you can want something too much. That was definitely the case for me when I was younger. I was desperate for a record deal, and when I finally got one, I realised it was just a small piece of the puzzle.”

In recent years, John had an eye-opening experience during an audition with James Blunt. He discovered that it wasn't solely about his bass playing skills but also about the way he conducted himself. John recalled, "James is a military man, and respect and discipline are ingrained in him. It didn't matter how talented I was as a musician; what mattered was how I carried myself. It was the night out with James that sealed the deal. There is no room for egos in his world. I learned early on to leave my ego at the door. We're all on the same team.”

John's journey highlighted the importance of perseverance, humility, and being prepared for opportunities. It wasn't just about talent; it was about cultivating a strong work ethic, forming connections, and treating everyone with respect. Tune in to the full incredible interview now!

https://linktr.ee/yehyehben