The Saami Brothers Qawwal

Asian Arts Agency present: The Saami Brothers Qawwal

For almost eight centuries, the Saami family have carried one of the world's oldest continuously transmitted Sufi musical lineages. Passed from one generation to the next entirely by ear, their music has survived empires, borders and changing times — not in books or archives, but in voices.

Today, having trained under the guidance of the acclaimed Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, his sons - The Saami Brothers - bring this extraordinary living tradition from Karachi to audiences around the world.

"His delicate voice and intricate command of a centuries-old tradition is capable of casting spells." (The Quietus)

Masters of both Khayal and Qawwali, and 2025 Aga Khan Global Music Awards winners, The Saami Brothers move effortlessly between the meditative stillness of Khayal and the soaring emotional intensity of Qawwali. Their concerts unfold as a single musical journey, where moments of profound intimacy give way to ecstatic rhythms, intricate vocal interplay and exhilarating improvisation.

“The sound is intense, raw and dissonant. It is haunting and beautiful.” (★★★★★ Songlines)

Every concert is unique. Built on extraordinary vocal mastery and spontaneous improvisation, the music unfolds organically, carrying audiences from quiet contemplation to waves of rhythmic celebration. The brothers, fully in sync with their father, seem to carry the music alongside him, creating not just a show, but a legacy onstage.

Please note that Margins will not be running before this event.

More Information:

For Accessibility, please click here.

The venue is seating only. All seats are unreserved and are taken on a first come first serve basis. Please arrive early before event door times if you have preferred seats. Due to the nature of our venue, please be prepared to queue for entry.

The venue is fully accessible, with use of ramps and the upstairs bar is accessible with use of a platform lift. Please email [email protected] with your accessibility requirements as soon as you purchase your ticket as requests are dealt with on a first come, first serve basis.

The bar is located on the first floor of the venue and will be open from the stated door time and remain open after the show.

Alcohol consumption will be limited to the bar area only, it is not permitted to take alcohol to the main chapel space. An array of soft drinks and snacks will also be available and are permitted in the main space - please note the Union Chapel bar and kiosk accept card payment only. Strictly no food or drink may be brought from outside into the venue. Water bottles must be emptied before entering the venue, with refilling stations available inside.