Megan Muneer of Chicago on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Megan Muneer and have shared our conversation below.

Megan, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
In addition to performing and teaching music, I’m also a homeschool mom, so my kids are with me all day, every day. I’m normally woken up by my three year old, but if not, I start by washing my face and limbs with warm water for the pre-dawn prayer. Then I light some incense, pray, and sip on the coffee. I scroll through my phone and usually call my dear friend in Switzerland, who is also an artist mom. We catch up while I start making breakfast and navigating tantrums. I get myself ready for the day, which usually includes vocal warmups, stretching and trying to make myself feel beautiful (usually lipstick and a dress). Then I get homeschool started for my older daughter, and head out the door for a few hours with my toddler. We hit up parks, libraries, and run errands. We come home around lunch time and then it’s time for Quran class for myself and the kids. Afterwards, I try to get my toddler down for a nap, and if he goes down, I’ll try to get a practice session in with guitar or piano, or work on a song before I head out to teach for a few hours. Some days I teach in my home studio, and some days I teach out of the home. When I come home, someone is usually cooking something, or I’ll warm up something that I made on a previous day. Sometimes I’ll head back out for a performance, rehearsal or open mic, but if I’m staying home I’ll make chai while cleaning up the kitchen, light some evening incense and if I have the energy, I pop into our home gym for a quick workout while watching a Turkish drama. Then it’s bathtime for my toddler and catching up on whatever other work or tidying that I was not able to attend to while he was awake. It’s a beautiful life, and it is very hectic. But I am so grateful for every moment.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a singer-songwriter, Muslim and mom. I make music for the heart, meant to remind all who hear it of their divine origin. I studied classical music as a child and went on to earn a degree in classical vocal music, after which I moved to Indonesia and lived there for many years, performing their traditional music. I had a successful career there, but decided to move back to the US in 2016. Since then I have been writing and performing my original music, and the past year in 2025, released 4 singles that were incredibly dear to me. Currently I am preparing another body of work that will be released next year, God willing. I also teach private and group lessons in voice, piano, hand drum, and nasheeds (traditional Islamic songs).

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I remember being very, very small- maybe two or three years old? And singing, making up songs and playing with flowers and sticks in my backyard. It was a moderate California afternoon, and I felt very deeply the presence of Benevolence. I simply knew that there were angels and guides all around me, although I didn’t have the words. I remember singing gently to the flowers, and being able to tune into their frequency and “sing” the same notes as them. I could smell the orange blossoms emanating from the driveway, which was lined with orange trees.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I have come to know that pain and suffering is actually a desired human experience. We come to the earth as souls desiring pain and suffering, because we want to be diligent students, and pain and suffering are superb teachers. It carves space into the heart to contain more beauty and more compassion. We are here to refine and strengthen our soul, becoming more and more noble through every trial. I know that when we are suffering the Light in Dark is closer than ever. And on the other side of suffering is ease and relief.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I feel it is; there are many parts of me that I can’t contain, they simply overflow out of me and I have to share. I share much of my daily life on social media as it makes me feel connected to so many beautiful souls all over the world. My daughter is always referring to “Mommy Lore” as a term for all the random experiences I’ve had. I would say that I feel very protective of my children and family life. I don’t share my family on social media, and I also have some insights into realities that I choose not to discuss publically. I also think perhaps my level of homemaking and involvement in my children might also surprise some. I spend a lot of time doing typical “mom” activities. But I can’t really portray myself as something that I’m not.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d stop doing dishes. I’d eat off banana leaves instead.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meganmuneer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganmuneer
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/meganmuneer
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/meganmuneer
• Other: https://tiktok.com/meganmuneer