Veteran Pakistani vocalist Ustad Naseeruddin Saami will receive the prestigious ‘Patrons Award’ at the 2025 Aga Khan Music Awards in recognition of his tireless work in preserving and promoting the ancient Sufi-khayal vocal tradition on the global stage.
The ceremony will take place in London from November 20–23, and the Saami family of Pakistan will be honoured alongside the Warsi Brothers of India, with both receiving the ‘Patrons Award’ on November 21.
Ustad Saami is widely regarded as Pakistan’s pre-eminent classical vocalist and the last living master of the 49-note microtonal Surti scale, rooted in the Delhi Gharana tradition tracing back to the 13th-century Sufi poet-musician Amir Khusrau. His six-decade career spans teaching, recording and international performance; through his ensemble the Saami Brothers (his four sons), he has introduced Pakistan’s classical musical heritage to audiences across Europe, North America and Asia.
