The July edition of the JAB Foundation's Music Therapy Sessions took place on 19th July 2026, drawing together 21 participants who joined both in person and online via Google Meet, a turnout that reflects the growing reach and impact of this initiative.
Prof. Jacqueline Azumi Badaki, Founder and Executive Director of JAB Foundation, opened the session with a warm welcome address and a brief introduction to the Foundation's work, before going on to facilitate the entire programme herself. Participants were then led through a calming meditation exercise, designed to release tension, sharpen focus, and settle everyone into the right frame of mind for the music therapy experience that followed.
At the heart of the session were two carefully selected songs, "Unstoppable" by Sia and "Lean on Me" by Michael Bolton, chosen for the powerful messages of resilience and support woven into their lyrics. Rather than simply listening, participants took time to unpack the stories and emotions behind each track, uncovering deeper layers of meaning and connecting the music to their own lives.
The conversation that followed was one of the highlights of the day. Participants opened up about how the songs mirrored their personal journeys, offering honest reflections in an atmosphere built on trust, empathy, and mutual encouragement. It was a reminder of how music can create space for vulnerability and genuine connection among people from different walks of life.
The programme rounded off with a vote of thanks from the Founder, followed by an informal networking session where participants exchanged contacts, shared stories, and continued building the relationships formed during the day.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined and contributed to making this session such a meaningful experience. As the JAB Foundation continues its mission of promoting healing, resilience, and mental wellbeing through music, we look forward to seeing you at our next edition.