Hunna
What is Hunna?
Hunna, derived from the Arabic plural of ‘she,’ is a women-led initiative made to amplify female talent across the MENA region. Our mission is to build and grow the next generation of female role models in music through mentorship, listening circles, masterclasses, and more.
Our guided mentorship matchmaking program connects up-coming female talent across the MENA region with trailblazing women from the music industry for a 4-month program of mentorship, guided sessions, and a tailor-made program to help guide your career. Registrations for the Mentorship Program are open, see details below.
Through Hunna listening circles, events, and community groups, we are building a collaborative network that connects women across the music industry through virtual and in-person gatherings. These spaces help cultivate an inclusive, diverse, and equitable community.
What we do: Listening Circles:
Our Listening Circles are a women only, judgment-free space to connect, learn, and grow together. The Listening Circles are virtual and in-person community discussions, providing a safe and supportive environment to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By engaging one another through shared experiences, we foster a sense of connection and community where women feel heard and validated.
Our first Listening Circle of 2024 was done in collaboration with Merwas on International Women's Day.
Stay tuned for our upcoming Listening Circles, more dates being announced soon.
Join the Hunna community:
If you’re interested in joining the Hunna community, please fill out this form.
Join the Hunna community to gain:
Access to a supportive network of MENA women across all fields of the music industry
Hunna WhatsApp group and updates on upcoming events.
Connect with fellow musicians and industry professionals for collaborations, gigs, and projects.
Participate in workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship programs led by industry experts.
Have your say in listening circles, events, and community gatherings to discuss equity, career development, and other relevant topics.
Be part of a movement dedicated to amplifying female talents and creating a network for MENA women in the music industry
Mentorship:
Our Hunna mentorship program connects established women in the music industry with female up-and-comers. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to share your expertise, or an aspiring artist/professional seeking guidance - this program offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.
If you're a mentee:
Gain valuable insights and guidance from industry veterans.
Receive personalized support to accelerate your career growth.
Network with like-minded individuals and expand your opportunities.
If you're a mentor:
Make a meaningful impact by sharing your knowledge and experience.
Help shape the future of the music industry by supporting the next generation of talent.
Expand your own network and stay connected with emerging voices in the industry.
Applications for our 2024 mentoring program have now closed. Keep an eye out for our upcoming events and initiatives.
Testimonials:
Mentees:
Haya Al-Hejailan
Some of the most inspirational women I’ve come across, I left Hunna meetings feeling energized, optimistic and motivated to keep pushing through the challenges of being a female musician.
It’s probably one of the top programs I’ve come across, and I’m super grateful to have been part of the first cohort.
Tamara Qabazard
The most rewarding experience from Hunna is that I’m able to express myself now creatively with music. I was really able to push myself with the way she supported me with my tracks And it’s been so great to have a sister in this journey at the same time
Nourah Alammary
My mentor Mayssa helped me improve how I sing, how I write songs, how I perform and how to package myself better to excel in the music industry. My need was to have someone more experienced to help guide me in to how to move forward. I’m also inspired to eventually become a Hunna mentor myself and help someone else.
Amal Waqar
There are really unique and creative pockets of musicians and artists all over the region in Saudi, Oman, Emirates but it’s hard to be and stay connected and even be connected. What I really like about Hunna is the excuse to connect with everyone and meet new people and get to know who they are as artists and professionals.
MENTORS:
Mayssa Karaa
Hunna's mentorship program provided me with a platform to make a meaningful impact in the lives of aspiring female musicians. As a mentor, I've had the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with emerging talent in the music industry. The connections I've made with mentees and fellow mentors have been invaluable, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the next generation of talent in the music industry. The most rewarding experience for me was getting to know Nourah as an artist but also as a person and supporting her in working on her unique identity as an artist and helping her craft her first original song.
Lynn Adib
Being a mentor with Hunna has been an enriching experience on so many levels. Not only has it allowed me to share my expertise and experiences with a truly talented artist like Amal, who is carving out her path in the music industry, but also reminded me of the importance of nurturing and supporting emerging artists in their journey. I'm truly confident that Amal is an artist who deserves to be heard and seen, and she inspires me as much as I aim to inspire her.
Sarah El Miniawy
As a mentor with Hunna, I had the privilege of guiding and supporting Haya. It was incredibly insightful for me to share an intimate and safe mentoring space with a younger music professional from the region, and to discover her reality today and what benefit I can bring to her as she navigates a fast-changing ecosystem in the Arab world. Haya and I remain in contact until today. Our Hunna mentor/mentee relationship has morphed into long-term friendships that I am very fond of.
Eve Horne
Mentoring with Hunna was such a rewarding experience, to have the support to make a tangible impact with my mentee. Through the guided one-on-one mentorship sessions, I was able to support Tamara, a budding producer, who was initially stuck in 4-bar loops, to creating her first complete track. Watching Tamara's growth from day one to now has been such a joy, and I'm incredibly proud of her progress.