Arts, Culture, Music
In this episode of At the Aga Khan Museum, watch the first episode from Searching for the Blues — a three-part series by Imran Babur that follows Sindhi sarangi master Lakha Khan on an intercontinental journey, delving into his blues, and how his universal spiritual message defies language and geographic barriers. Enjoy a captivating performance by Parachute Thieves and a thought-provoking conversation with the band's singer and Toronto-based physician, Latif Murji.
The Ismaili Sounds is pleased to present Navroz hai aya, performed by Ismaili music artists in Pakistan. The song describes the blessings, beauty, and hope that the festival of Navroz brings to our lives.
In this episode of At the Aga Khan Museum, get a closer look at the Oliphant from the Museum's Permanent Collection and learn more about the 11th–12th-century ivory horn, which is one of about 80 examples that survive worldwide. Amirali Alibhai, Head of Performing Arts at the Museum sits down with Mark and Marichka Marczyk, the artists behind Balaklava Blues. They speak about the ways in which their work aligns with the Museum's vision, the importance of folk music, and how their songs create a space for conversation. Enjoy a captivating performance by their ensemble from the Museum's Rhythms of Canada Festival.
To commemorate the blessed month of Ramadan, The Ismaili is pleased to present a rendition of Balaghal, performed by Fitoor.
The Ismaili is pleased to present Ahead of Yawm-e Ali, The Ismaili is pleased to present “Tera Chehra Hai Noorani,” composed by Rattan Mohan Sharma. This devotional song celebrates and praises the attributes and qualities of Hazrat Ali.
The Ismaili is pleased to present On the occasion of Mi'raj, the “Aqeedat” performed by Taufiq Karmali. The song is a naat, sung in praise of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny).
In this episode of At the Aga Khan Museum take a closer look at Listen., a mesmerizing installation by Matt Donovan and Hallie Siegal in the Aga Khan Park. Hear directly from the artists as they share insights into their creative process and how Rumi's words impacted their piece. Join Amirali Alibhai, Head of Performing Arts, for an enlightening conversation with multi-instrumentalist Mekaal Hasan, exploring his diverse body of work and collaborations within the Canadian music scene. Experience an exclusive glimpse into the Museum's temporary exhibition, Night in the Garden of Love, as acclaimed artist Shezad Dawood provides a unique perspective on the exhibition and its profound connection to autophysiopsychic musician and artist, Yusef Lateef.
Toronto-based vocalist Azaela Ray performs a mesmerizing composition inspired by artwork in the Aga Khan Museum's Collections. Learn more about why the lavishly decorated Blue Qur’an is Toronto-based artist Eiman Muiny's favorite object in the Collections in a thought-provoking segment of The Public Curates. Enjoy a stunning performance by internationally acclaimed musician Baaba Maal on the Museum stage, and watch Okan, a Toronto-based musical duo, masterfully perform a composition of Cuban music.
In this episode, enjoy a fiery flamenco performance from Duende, the Aga Khan Museum's annual festival celebrating the impact of this universal art form. Experience a captivating blend of hip hop, jazz, gospel, and classical music in a performance by Borelson, and join Amirali Alibhai, Head of Performing Arts at the Museum, as he sits down with Borelson to discuss his work and inspiration.
The Ismaili is pleased to present “The Journey,” performed by Canadian artists Alya Bejaoui, Anar Jassani, Nureen Sumar, and Sarosh Dadani. The lyrics tell a story of individual search—our journeys are different but destination remains the same. The song hopes to inspire peace, courage, and connection as we enter a new year full of hope and optimism.
Watch the Opening Ceremony and Performing Arts Showcase of CongOlympics held in Kinshasa on the weekend of October 27, 2023. Artists and athletes from all of DRC come together to celebrate diversity and excellence in their respective fields. This is the qualifying event of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the Global Encounters Festival to be held in Dubai in 2024.
Hosts Tanya Yousofi and Aryaan Kanji roll out the red carpet for the incredible performing artists from across Canada. Winners announced will represent Canada at the 2024 Global Encounters Festival in Dubai. Enjoy the show as spectacular vocalists, instrumental virtuosos, phenomenal dancers, and creative visionaries entertain and inspire you with their passion and artistry.
The Ismaili Sounds is pleased to present As part of our Imamat Day playlist, a rendition of "Ashq Barsaaye," produced by Asif Noorani, and performed by Shama Judah & Zaheed Damani. The song, originally written and performed by the Salimahabad Orchestra from Karachi, touches on the themes of supplication, love, and longing for the beloved.
As we eagerly anticipate a thrilling adventure next summer, The Ismaili is pleased to present the official Global Encounters Festival song, “Dubai let’s go.” This incredible music video was created by talented musicians, vocalists, dancers, and choreographers of different ages from 11 countries, while the song features lines in English, Farsi, Arabic, and Hindi. Whether you’re planning to attend the festival in person or watch along from home — come on, let's go to Dubai!
The #Ismaili is pleased to present “Can I join your band,” produced and performed by The Sufistics. This multi-layered composition explores the intricate themes of longing and belonging. Its lyrics inspire reflection on the challenges and rewards of finding one’s way in life and maintaining a balance between #din (faith) and #dunya (world).
The Ismaili sounds pleased to present Musarrat e Navroz performed by Taufiq Karmali. The song’s lyrics offer felicitations on the joyous occasion of Navroz — the first day of spring and the start of a new year.
The Ismaili sounds pleased to present Suhana Roz by a group of music artists from Pakistan. The song highlights how the occasion of Navroz gladdens our hearts with hopes of prosperity and rejuvenation.
On the occasion of Laylat al-Qadr, The Ismaili is pleased to present a rendition of the Hamd "Allah Hu," performed by Fitoor. Originally popularised by Qari Waheed Zafar Qasmi, this devotional composition in Arabic and Urdu expresses reverence and admiration for Allah and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).
Enjoy a powerful collaborative performance between Montreal-based author, poet, and spoken word artist Tawhida Tanya Evanson and musician Pooria Pournazeri at the Aga Khan Museum. Go behind the scenes with Curator Dr. Michael Chagnon and take a look at a page from a 15th-century book of poetry containing the compiled poems of the Timurid sultan Hosayn Bayqara. Watch the final part of Healing Rhythms, a four-part series from early 2022 that marked Black History Month and the rich cultural diversity of Toronto.
Join Amirali Alibhai, Head of Performing Arts at the Aga Khan Museum as he takes a closer look at two works by late 15th-century painter Kamāl ud-Dīn Behzād from the Museum's Collection with Curator, Dr. Michael Chagnon. Experience the musical lineage of the Moneka Family with the third part of Healing Rhythms, a four-part series from early 2022 that marked Black History Month and the rich cultural diversity of Toronto.
The Ismaili is pleased to present a rendition of the hamd “Mera Khuda,” performed by four young Ismaili artists in #Pakistan. The hamd’s lyrics express happiness for the presence of God in our lives. As we begin a new year full of new hopes, the song reminds us to do so with our #faith in mind.