Refugee who fled war-torn country first student to release album on university record label
by Educate Magazine March 28, 2024 · All News / University News
A refugee who put his music career on hold to flee an oppressive regime in war-torn Sudan has expressed his pride after becoming the first student or graduate to release an album on Liverpool Hope University’s new record label.
Mo Shabaka was a famous singer with popular Sudanese group, Igd al-Jalad, before socio-political instability forced him to leave his home in 2017.
 in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum.</p>
<p>Upon arriving in the UK, he decided to pursue his passion for music, enrolling on Liverpool Hope’s <a href=)
BA (Hons) Music Production & Film and Visual Culture course in 2018, before completing a Masters in creative industries in the summer of 2023.
As part of his Masters, Mo produced his own album titled ‘Toll Call’, which the university is releasing on its Wild Hope Records label.
Launched in 2023, the student-led label has been set-up with the aim of creating opportunities for students, staff and musicians from local communities to engage in the creative process of producing and releasing music.
Mo’s 10-track record is inspired by his Sudanese heritage, introducing Sudanese music in a contemporary style and linking and merging pentatonic melodies with classical pop and modern jazz.
Mo said: “I am honoured to be the first student to release an album on the university’s record label.
“Music has been my whole life, but in Sudanese culture performing is seen as more of a hobby, so whilst I was successful with Igd al-Jalad, I had to fit music in around my career.
“When I moved to the UK I decided to start from scratch and chase my music dream so releasing this album is a really proud moment for me and my family.
“I am so grateful to the university for giving me the chance to do so. I loved it here, the campus and my tutors were brilliant and I love the city of Liverpool, too. The people are friendly, have a good sense of humour and embrace different cultures.”
Mo arrived in Liverpool hoping to build a new life but the political instability in Sudan continued to impact him from afar.
“I wanted to be with my family and I wanted them out of Sudan. It was a nightmare. I got into a serious depression and had to call my GP and in the end I had to take a break from my studies and stop working on the album because I had no creativity whatsoever.”
Things are now looking up for Mo, who graduated from his Masters in the summer of 2023.
He is working in an operational role at Liverpool Arab Arts Festival and has settled in Allerton with his three children and wife, who is working in finance for the NHS.
He reflects with pride on what he has overcome to graduate and release an album and, with his family now safe in Egypt, he is looking forward to resuming his love of performing.
Mo said: “I am really proud of what I have achieved.
