Aga Khan Music Awards Ceremony Debuts in London

The prestigious Aga Khan Music Awards (AKMA) held its inaugural ceremony in the United Kingdom, gracing the stage of London’s Southbank Centre. This event marked the culmination of a ten-day program, running from November 14th to November 23rd, 2025. The initiative was jointly organized with the EFG London Jazz Festival, successfully bridging traditions, diverse cultures, and generations that seldom converge on a single platform.

The award itself is designed to honor eleven distinguished artists whose creative endeavors serve to strengthen communities, advance musical heritage, and foster new avenues for cultural exchange across the Greater Middle East region. Established in 2018 by His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the AKMA has consistently championed exceptional musicianship, supported educational initiatives, and promoted the preservation and revitalization of musical legacies in nations where Muslim cultures hold significant influence.

Key Laureates and Enduring Musical Legacies

This year’s event placed particular emphasis on the Patron’s Award, which was bestowed upon two monumental figures in their respective fields.

• The first recipient was Maestro Ustad Nasiruddin Saami from Pakistan, recognized as a vital custodian of the unique Khayal tradition.

The presentation of these significant accolades was performed by Prince Amyn Aga Khan on November 21, 2025, kicking off the formal proceedings of the ceremony. These recognitions powerfully underscore the enduring connection between successive generations of musicians, their deep spiritual foundations, and their contemporary artistic expressions.

A Tapestry of Global Traditions

The collective roster of laureates spanning the 2023–2025 cycle showcases a vast geographical and cultural spread. Their origins stretch from Morocco and Senegal across to India, Iran, and Palestine. Among these celebrated talents were:

• The Qalali Ensemble from Bahrain, dedicated preservers of maritime song and instrumental traditions spanning over a century.

In total, the eleven selected artists shared a substantial prize fund totaling 500,000 US dollars. Beyond the financial reward, they gained crucial developmental opportunities, ranging from securing recording contracts to receiving essential archival support for their work.

The Festival as a Bridge Between Worlds

The AKMA program hosted in London served as a vibrant demonstration that music transcends temporal boundaries, actively creating spaces where established tradition and modern innovation can meet and interact. The collaboration between the EFG London Jazz Festival and AKMA brought together a rich spectrum of musical expressions on one stage.

This convergence featured sounds originating from:

• West Africa

The event successfully illustrated the profound interconnectedness of these cultures, proving that their artistic bonds remain strong despite geographical separation by seas and centuries.