What's New
I am silent in anticipation, as adrenaline rushes through me as a music lover. I delight at the opportunity of listening to original compositions. It is for this reason that when the song Mawla Mera Ishq Tu is shared with me, I eagerly click on the link to experience the musical journey expressed through this beautiful composition.
In his remarks at the inaugural Aga Khan Music Awards in 2019, Mawlana Hazar Imam said, “after all, art is a matter of humanity just as much as it is a matter of identity.” Ismaili youth across the globe have been embracing art in this very spirit, to express, appreciate, and propel their emotions, thoughts, and passions in an outstanding way.
Institutional initiatives in Pakistan are assisting the Jamat and the community to take pride in their shared legacy, while a focus on arts and culture is contributing towards improving quality of life.
At the opening of the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, Prince Amyn emphasized the importance of art in our lives by noting that “art and culture can have a profound impact in healing misunderstanding and in fostering trust even across great divides.” He made this speech in 2014, although the essence of his words remains timeless.
Art has often played a powerful role in shaping society’s consciousness, especially in times of crisis. Some of the most touching moments during the early days of the pandemic were people singing or playing music for their neighbours, drawing their communities out on balconies and rooftops to share the moment. Ismaili artists from various countries share their stories of how Covid-19 impacted them and how they adapted to the new normal.
This week, on our fifth episode of Trailblazers, we are joined by Danish Dhamani, the co-founder of Orai, and one of 2021’s Forbes 30 under 30.
After months of excitement, anticipation, and a journey of over 6,000 miles from Salamiyah, Syria, Nuha Alaizouki and Wassim Alhammwy are finally able to call the Aga Khan Academy in Maputo, Mozambique their new home.
Today we feature a rendition of the popular Sabza Ba Naaz by US-based The Sufistics featuring the Noor Band from Tajikistan. The song aspires to leave us with hope that the world will soon be green with abundance again.
The Ismaili is pleased to present New Perfume by the Canadian Artist Collective. The lyrics draw on the symbolism of fresh fragrance to invoke feelings of hope, excitement, and renewal as we look ahead to a new year.
“Of course, Mummy,” responds Zoya Nayani, the main character of Pebbles to Penguins: A Story of Renewal. Zoya’s definite statement is not unlike the responses of many people when asked, “Are you okay?” Entrenched in the context of the pandemic — like nearly everyone else in the world — the directors of Pebbles to Penguins are committed to uncovering the psychological subtext of these conversations.
The Ismaili is pleased to present Navroz Mubarak 1400, performed by the Canadian Artist Collective. The song not only welcomes the coming of spring, but also celebrates the new year, and a new century in the Solar Hijri calendar.