Karachi: Pakistan has made its mark on the global cultural stage as three of its most celebrated musicians — Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, Juman Latif, and Ustad Noor Bakhsh — have been named finalists for the Aga Khan Music Awards (AKMA) 2025. Their inclusion among the 22 global nominees highlights the depth and diversity of Pakistan’s musical heritage.
What are the Aga Khan Music Awards?
Established in 2018 by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the Aga Khan Music Awards recognize outstanding creativity, innovation, and preservation in music across societies with significant Muslim presence. The awards focus on pluralism, cultural understanding, and global tolerance through the unifying power of music.
This year’s winners will be announced on November 4, 2025, with the award ceremony taking place at London’s Southbank Centre from November 20 to 23. Winners will share a prize pool of $500,000 along with professional opportunities including commissions, recordings, and management contracts.
Pakistan’s Finalists at AKMA 2025
- 🎤 Ustad Naseeruddin Saami – A master of Khayal from the Delhi Gharana tradition, Ustad Saami is revered as the only living practitioner of the 49-microtonal Surti scale. His unmatched precision makes him a custodian of one of South Asia’s oldest classical traditions.
- 🎶 Juman Latif (“Fakir Juman”) – Known for his devotion to the raags of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, Juman Latif has spent over three decades performing spiritual music at shrines and teaching younger generations. His music spreads messages of love, peace, and harmony across borders.
- 🎵 Ustad Noor Bakhsh – A legendary benju virtuoso from Balochistan, Ustad Noor Bakhsh blends traditional Balochi sounds with South Asian ragas. His artistry represents both tradition and innovation, earning him global recognition despite living away from cultural capitals.
Global Recognition & Pakistani Legacy
Pakistan’s rich musical tradition has previously shined at AKMA, with legends like Zarsanga (Queen of Pashtun Folklore) and Sain Zahoor (Punjabi Sufi musician) gaining recognition. This year’s nominations reaffirm Pakistan’s cultural vitality on the world stage.
Internationally, the list of finalists also includes artists from Palestine, Morocco, Turkiye, Tunisia, India, Lebanon, and Senegal, reflecting the diverse spirit of the awards.
Why It Matters
The nominations of these three Pakistani musicians are more than personal achievements — they reflect Pakistan’s cultural identity, rooted in spiritual devotion, classical mastery, and folk innovation. Their recognition at the Aga Khan Music Awards positions Pakistan as a global custodian of musical heritage.
đź“Ś For more details, you can read coverage on Dawn News, Al Jazeera, and BBC.
