Ugandan singer-songwriter Jon Muq is turning his own journey from Kampala to the international stage into a new mission: creating more pathways for African artists to reach global audiences.
Muq, who is based in Austin, Texas, has launched Shake It Africa, a new record label and live entertainment company focused on music, artist development, live experiences and cultural exchange.
The company officially launched with Muq’s new single, “Shake Shake Dance For Me,” an Afrobeat remake produced by Grammy-winning producer Derek Dixie, whose credits include Beyoncé, Chloe x Halle and The Carters.
The infectious track is more than a new release for Muq. It serves as the first musical statement from a company built around celebrating African culture while creating opportunities for artists across the continent.
“There were times when it felt like you had to chase your dream alone,” Muq said. “Shake It Africa is the company I dreamed of when I was younger. If one young artist believes their future is possible because of what we’re building, then we’ve already made an impact.”
The new single reimagines Muq’s original 2024 recording, which was produced by Dan Auerbach and released through Easy Eye Sound.
For Muq, however, the bigger story is the ecosystem he wants to build around the music. Working alongside veteran music executive Kevin Wommack, he has developed Shake It Africa as a platform designed to provide African artists with mentorship, creative opportunities, international exposure and community while keeping their cultural identities at the centre.
“We’re not just releasing music; we’re creating the kind of opportunities many of us wished existed when we were starting out,” Muq said.
That vision is rooted in his own experience. Born in a one-room home outside Kampala, Muq’s early musical education came through a school brass band, boarding-school choir and teaching himself guitar by watching church musicians.
His career eventually took him from Uganda to stages across Africa, Europe and the United States. Along the way, he says he became aware of the limited pathways available to young African artists seeking sustainable international careers.
Shake It Africa is his attempt to help change that.
The company has already announced its first major recording project, Bantu Muntu, a 10-track compilation scheduled for February 12, 2027. The project will feature artists from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria, including Jon Muq, Jaywon, Jeff Akoh, Kaesa, Biya, MicPro256 and Njuguna, alongside additional collaborators.
Shake It Africa is also moving beyond recorded music. Its first live initiative begins September 20, 2026, with a monthly residency at Pershing Hall in Austin, Texas, featuring African artists, DJs and cultural programming.
The company plans to take the concept to Europe as well, with its first European showcase scheduled for Utrecht, Netherlands, on March 27, 2027.
Wommack, who serves as CEO and co-founder, said Muq brought a vision shaped by his own experience, while his role has focused on developing the infrastructure, partnerships and long-term strategy needed to turn that vision into a lasting platform.
With Shake Shake Dance For Me now marking the beginning, Shake It Africa is already building toward new singles, live events, international showcases and collaborative projects.
For Muq, the idea is straightforward: create more doors for the artists coming after him — and make sure they do not have to chase the dream alone.