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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 “Happy Birthday Mawla,” performed by and featuring Ismaili children from all over the world. Follow along with the lyrics and learn how to say happy birthday in different languages including Swahili, Arabic, Farsi, French, Portuguese, and more!
"Khushiali Mubarak” is a devotional collaboration between 86 Ismaili artists around the world in celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam's 86th Birthday. The song weaves together different languages, traditions, and styles of music and dance, performed at Ismaili Centres in Dushanbe, Houston, London, Lisbon, Vancouver, and Toronto, with a stirring finale in Dubai.
Watch this creative new animated short story produced especially for Ismaili children, entitled, How can I tell my Mawla I love him? Join Inara and her family on an adventure as they ask, reflect, and search for ways to express their love and gratitude to Mawlana Hazar Imam on the occasion of Salgirah.
The Ismaili Sounds are pleased to present As we look forward to the joyous occasion of Salgirah, A karaoke version of “Day of Happiness (Khushi Ka Yeh Din),” produced by Pervaiz Mirza, originally released in December 2020. Visit The Ismaili YouTube channel to watch, listen, and sing along to the instrumental and performance versions of the karaoke track.
The Ismaili Sounds are pleased to present As we look forward to the joyous occasion of Salgirah, A karaoke version of “Day of Happiness (Khushi Ka Yeh Din),” produced by Pervaiz Mirza, originally released in December 2020. Visit The Ismaili YouTube channel to watch, listen, and sing along to the instrumental and performance versions of the karaoke track.
Amirali Alibhai, Head of Performing Arts, takes a look at the past few months at the Aga Khan Museum. Go behind the scenes to learn about the process of staging an exhibition, meet Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia, and enjoy a captivating pocket performance by vocalist Samidha Joglekar, percussionist Abbas Janmohamed, and string specialist Zeeshan Lalani as they perform a traditional Thumri song about friendship and longing, symbolized by the arrival of the monsoon.
Show Me How series brings you, Zentangle Art, with Sharmin! All you need is A4 paper and some pens. Presented by AKYSB UK Youth Club Network.
The Ismaili Sounds are pleased to present In anticipation of the Aga Khan Music Awards this weekend, take a look at this 10-minute Ismaili Sounds special behind the scenes video, “The making of Shukrana.” A collection of 50 music artists came together earlier this year to produce Shukrana in celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 65th Imamat Day. The song is an expression of gratitude for the guidance and leadership of our Imam-of-the-Time. Filmed in Vancouver, Toronto, and Lisbon, this short film tells the story of a unique international collaboration.