Meet Mona Najib of Mona Najib Music

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mona Najib.

Mona, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Sweden to Moroccan parents. I grew up in a small town north of Uppsala called Storvreta. Started playing soccer when I was 8 years old and ended up playing well into my twenties (played for a total of 14 years). I played soccer professionally – in “Damallsvenskan”, which is the highest league for female soccer. I also attended Uppsala University and got my Bachelor’s degree in Education. Worked as a teacher for a couple years before moving to LA.

I have always been a lover of music. Growing up, I was a big fan of Michael Jackson, Whitney Huston and Mariah Carey. Throughout my life I made minor attempts to start singing, I took a couple voice lessons, I competed on Swedish Idol, and started learning guitar on my own. It wasn’t 2011 when I had quit soccer and was working as a teacher that I truly felt like I wanted to make a major change in my life. So I applied to the Los Angeles College of Music (LACM), and when I was accepted, I knew it was a now or never moment.

I attended the Vocal Program at the LACM for one year (2011-2012). It was a really intense year for me as I knew very little about music theory or even how to perform on stage, but I was extremely happy and grateful to be there. I met so many different people from all over the world, that first year change me a whole lot – for the better.

After moving back to Sweden in 2014, I finally returned to Los Angeles in 2015 on an artist visa and have been here since then, continuously working on my music.

Has it been a smooth road?
As satisfying as it is to be able to do what you love, it has most definitely not been a smooth journey – nor did I really expect it to be. I learned that patience and grit goes a long way. Pursuing a solo career has been very tough at times, it took me a while to even figure out what my “sound” was (still experimenting!). An example; the process of writing, recording, mixing, mastering and shooting a music video for my first single took me a total of 2 years.

I think most independent artists will agree when I say there are financial aspects of this industry that can be very challenging or limiting. I have had to say no to gigs that didn’t pay enough to cover the band or myself. As for recording, it cost a lot to have your songs mixed and mastered and that has definitely set me back a couple of times.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mona Najib Music – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am Mona Najib. I am a singer/songwriter from Sweden based in Echo Park, Los Angeles (CA). I have my solo pop/soul project and I also record and perform for and with other artists.

Back home (Uppsala, Sweden) I’m known for being the former professional soccer player turned singer. I find that a lot of people are fascinated by my story: that I basically left my life in Sweden to pursue my dream in music. My life choices have been heavily influenced by my father (a former nomad) and his journey from Morocco to Sweden.

I am the “Daughter of a Nomad”, and I feel like the traveler in me will always be a part of my music. It is perhaps what sets me apart from others – the fact that I have so many stories to tell. Overall, I am proud of myself for taking the leap, and for staying in the game throughout the years – despite the fear and my insecurities.

I am also very proud of the work I did in 2016 for Freeform (Disney/ABC Family), where I co-wrote and recorded an original called “Run Me”. The song has been featured in social media for Pretty Little Liars, Famous in Love & The Fosters. I co-wrote my latest single Howlin’ with Swedish pop artist Sandro Cavazza, known for his work with the late Avicii.

Clean pop sounds with soulful and R&B influenced melodies, and earthy Moroccan beats have slowly become part of my trademark – and something others has claimed set me apart.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that it’s a melting pot, filled with people from all around the world and all walks of life. I like that there’s so much to do, so much to see and discover. For obvious reasons, I love that there’s music everywhere. Collaborating with other artists is always inspiring. I find it fascinating to hear their stories – there’s always something to learn.

I’m sure most people would say this: I’m not a huge fan of traffic here. I’m from a small city in Sweden, where you don’t drive nearly as much as you do here in LA. Not living in the same area or somewhat close to your friends can actually mean you don’t see them at all – so that’s a bit of a bummer.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.monanajib.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/monanajibmusic
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/monanajibmusic
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/monanajibmusic
• Other: www.youtube.com/monanajibmusic

Image Credit:
Garrett Gaston, Eric D. Wallace, Laura Casner, Brendan Petrizzo

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