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Mamoon Eshaq, the second of eight children, was born
in Kabul, Afghanistan. His father, Ghulam Ishan Eshaq, the General
Director of the nation’s Finance Ministry, left Afghanistan
along with his family in 1980 when the social and political storm
was beginning to ravage the country into an uncertain future. They
came to the United States in the summer of 1980 in pursuit of freedom
and opportunities. Mamoon attended both grade school and high school
in Southern California, where he has spent most of his life. It was
during his high school years when his talent for music developed.
His father first noticed his vocal and instrumental talents around
the age of fifteen. With the motivation of his father, Mamoon’s
own hard work, as well as the aid and teachings of Ustad Jaspal Singh
in Hollywood, he dedicated himself to an in-depth study of Classical
Eastern Music. Mamoon’s ambitions were furthered the following
three years with his study of the essence and style of ghazals and
raagas. After an unfortunate incident involving the illness of his
father, further studies with Ustad Jaspal could not continue.
During one fateful summer night, in the midst of many talented
Afghan musicians, Mamoon performed for Khan Sahib Ustad Mehdi Hassan
in Hollywood. Ustad Hassan quickly noticed his talents and made
a very special and unforgettable gesture, which proved to be a turning
point in his music career. Ustad Hassan called Mamoon up to himself
at which point Ustad Hassan placed his hand upon Mamoon’s
head and gave him his blessings. That point turned out to be the
beginning of a notable and an emerging new star within the Afghan
community. After receiving Mehdi Hasaan’s blessings and with
the motivation of his family Mamoon began singing in family functions.
His style and performance attracted the attention of many guests
and he soon began performing within larger circles and in the midst
of an ever-increasing crowd. After modernizing his music, Mamoon
has successfully won the satisfaction of many younger crowds. Mamoon
has not limited his ambitions in pursuit of just ghazals and raagas.
His songs in Dari, Pashto and Hindi are not only powerful in style
but are enriched in substance as well. These combinations have given
Mamoon an edge as the leading star amongst an ever-growing number
of musician talents within the Afghan communities nationwide, especially
in Southern California. Week after week, he has tirelessly provided
the most professional and entertaining performance possible in a
number of Afghan functions. His growing fan’s enthusiasm for
his music has encouraged him to produce his first album. Mamoon
will kick-start the year 2005 with his newly released album, “Island
of Roses” which is sure to win the admiration of all Afghans
of all ages.
Mamoon’s goal is to reach the Afghans all over the world.
He would someday like to visit Afghanistan and meet every living
legend and artist where he can help bring their music in touch with
today’s style and also to learn from them as well.
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