Hussein Janmohamed

Hussein Janmohamed is a champion of pluralism with over three decades of working with diverse communities globally. A Canadian-based writer, composer, educator, ethnomusicologist and conductor, he is a 4th generation Kenyan of Ismaili Muslim South Asian Gujarati ancestry. Inspired by a mission to build community, unleash creativity and cultivate dialogue across difference, Hussein offers choral master-classes, artistic curation, teacher training and composition-based team building. He holds a PhD in Music Education from the University of Toronto writing about Muslim youth identity and music and Canada. 

Hussein has broad choral experience singing with Chor Leoni, the Elmer Iseler Singers and the National Youth Choir of Canada; and, he has led choirs at UBC, the Nai Syrian Children’s Choir, Vancouver Peace Choir, Canadian Ismaili Muslim Youth Choirs and global music ensembles. He has curated cross-cultural vocal collaborations for Nuit Blanche Toronto, Westcoast Sacred Arts Society, Toronto’s Luminato Festival, and community arts organizations internationally. 

Incorporating his multicultural influences, Hussein’s evocative choral compositions tell stories about dynamic Muslim cultures, offering a unique perspective on inclusiveness. Recent projects include work with Cree composer Andrew Balfour and Winnipeg-based choir Dead of Winter on a new choral work and community collaboration, and a co-creation music commission with the Canadian Chamber Choir exploring Indic devotional music and sound. Hussein has been recognized for his inspirational leadership and twice awarded the U of T Irene Miller and Koshkish Fellowship in music for his research in music as a language for dialogue and peace.