Sufi Music from Pakistan : The Saami Brothers featuring Ustad Naseeruddin Saami
Experience an unbroken, 800-year devotional music tradition from Pakistan. Join us for a deeply moving evening of *Khayal*—a South Asian improvisational musical form rooted in the profound spiritual heritage of Sufism—performed by the Saami Brothers with their father, the maestro Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, who will join as a special guest. Together, they are the living custodians of the Delhi Qawwal Bacha Gharana, founded in the 14th century by the legendary Sufi poet, musician, and scholar Amir Khusrau. They are among the last families preserving this art in its purest form.
This evening offers a rare opportunity to witness the sacred soundscape of *Khayal* (which roughly translates to “imagination”) in its most authentic expression—with brothers Rauf and Urooj on vocals, Ahmed on harmonium, Azeem on *tabla* (percussion), and their father, 81-year-old Naseeruddin Saami, joining as a special guest. Performing the intricate, transcendent soundscapes of *Khayal*, they will take us on an immersive journey through rhythm, melody, and mystic verse drawn from the poetry of Rumi, Khusrau, Hafez, and other Sufi luminaries. Audiences are encouraged to surrender to the spiritual power of the music. Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, one can simply close their eyes and join these exceptional vocalists on a journey.
***Join us for a pre-show talk with Abdul-Rehman Malik, an award-winning journalist, educator, and cultural organizer who is currently Lecturer and Associate Research Scholar at the Yale Divinity School.***
The Saami Family: A Living Legacy
Ustad Naseeruddin Saami & The Saami Brothers
Pakistani classical vocalist Ustad Naseeruddin Saami began training at age 10 under his uncle, Munshi Raziuddin. His chosen style—Sudh Bani—melds classical *raag* (raga) with spiritual depth and subtle innovation. He is a master of both *Khayal* and *Qawwali*, and is the last living practitioner of a mesmerizing and ancient 49-note microtonal vocal scale that dates back over 800 years.
A revered figure, Ustad Saami is known for his rich, resonant voice and emotional depth. His contributions to South Asian classical music have elevated him to living-legend status. His performances transcend entertainment, becoming spiritual events that bridge past and present—connecting audiences across cultural and temporal divides.
Ustad Saami’s son’s, The Saami Brothers—Rauf, Urooj, Azeem, and Ahmed—are renowned for their mastery of traditional Sufi devotional music and their deep commitment to preserving these ancient sacred traditions. Raised in a family steeped in musical heritage, the Saami Brothers received rigorous training from both their father and maternal grandfather. Their performances are characterized by a deep understanding of classical *ragas*, intricate rhythms, and a profound connection to the spiritual essence of the poetry they render.
Their work has captivated audiences worldwide, from the main stage at the WOMAD Festival to collaborations with Grammy-winning producer Ian Brennan on the album *God Is Not a Terrorist*.
***Presented in conjunction with the Center for Cultural Vibrancy***
***Modern South Asian Cuisine by Samosa Shack***
Watch: https://youtu.be/PR4yazytAJA?feature=shared