Mamoon:

Mamoon Eshaq, the second of eight children, was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. His father, Ghulam Ishan Eshaq, the General Director of the nations 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, Mamoons 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. Mamoons 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 Mamoons 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 Hasaans 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 fans 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. Mamoons 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 todays style and also to learn from them as well.