#London #United Kingdom #Cultural Heritage #global music #Aga Khan Music

Celebrating Diversity in Music: The Aga Khan Music Awards 2025

On the evening of November 24, 2025, the prestigious Aga Khan Music Awards took place at the Southbank Centre in London, uniting musicians and artists from various backgrounds to honor their invaluable contributions to the world of music.

This year's ceremony recognized eleven groundbreaking winners from different countries, including Morocco, Bahrain, Türkiye, Iran, Lebanon, India, Mali, Palestine, Greece, Pakistan, and Senegal. Each of these artists represents a unique musical heritage and showcases the evolution of their traditions, underscoring the significance of their work in enhancing community well-being.

Notable laureates included Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, a legendary khyal maestro, and the Warsi Brothers, esteemed qawwals who trace their legacy back to the revered Sufi poet, Amir Khusrau. Their rich historical roots play a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of South Asia.

The Qalali Folk Band from Bahrain also garnered recognition for its commitment to preserving the rich cultural memories of the nation’s pearl divers—a tradition that spans over a century. Palestinian oud player Kamilya Jubran, a pioneer in contemporary Arabic music, captivated the audience with her innovative contributions, while Iranian composer Sabha Aminikia was celebrated for initiating the Flying Carpet Festival, which brings joy to children residing in conflict-affected areas.

The awards were determined by an independent jury composed of seven members who meticulously evaluated over 400 nominees. The total prize fund amounted to an impressive $500,000, which reflects the awards’ commitment to supporting artists and their cultural legacies.

His Highness the Aga Khan emphasized the significance of these awards in his address during the ceremony, stating, "I am honored to carry forward a vision deeply rooted in my father's belief in the power of music to bridge cultures and uplift the human spirit. The Aga Khan Music Awards reflect values that lie at the heart of the Aga Khan Development Network—pluralism, intercultural dialogue, and the spiritual connection that communities around the world find in music."

This year's awards also marked the first occasion that the Aga Khan Music Awards were held in the United Kingdom, making it a momentous event in the history of this prestigious program.

The ceremony was part of a four-day music festival that celebrated melodies and rhythms from the Great East, illustrating how music can unite diverse peoples and cultures. The overwhelming response and attendance at the awards underscored the vital role that the arts play in fostering social cohesion and understanding amid an increasingly fragmented world.

As the night concluded, the atmosphere was electric with the spirit of celebration, reflecting the resilience and creativity of artists who are devoted to their craft and to sharing it with the world. The Aga Khan Music Awards serve as a testament to the power of music to connect hearts and minds across cultural divides, reinforcing the message that, in our shared humanity, we can find common ground through the universal language of music.

In a convoluted global landscape, the Aga Khan Music Awards shine brightly as a beacon of hope, showcasing artists whose work not only honors their heritage but also inspires future generations. The awards transcended recognition; they fostered a sense of community and solidarity, cementing the belief that music is indeed a global heritage worth celebrating.