The composer duo, Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, headlined across the United States to kick off the global Diamond Jubilee Concerts initiative this past month. As Ismaili Muslims who have seen great success in Bollywood, the brothers have effortlessly showcased their love for their faith and Imam in their hits. While touring the U.S., the brothers gave Jamati members in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Tampa, Chicago, and Birmingham, an opportunity to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee through music.
The Merchants greeted concertgoers “Diamond Jubilee Mubarak,” and Salim went on to urge the Jamat to use music as a means to understand themselves and their Creator. Artists Raj Pandit, Vipul Mehta, and Sukriti Kakar joined the tour to perform a variety of songs alongside Salim and Sulaiman. The performances included a special tribute to Jamati volunteers through the song, Yeh Honsla Kaise Jhuke, acknowledgement that though the path is often difficult, these individuals work tirelessly in their service to the Imam and Jamat.
Devotional songs such as Allahu Akbar, Noor-e-Illahi, Ali Maula, and Jubilee Mubarak, inspired the audience, while other Bollywood hits energized them.
Alissa Rashid, who watched the concert in Dallas, said her favorite part of the show was the Diamond Jubilee song Jubilee Mubarak that has become an anthem for Ismailis everywhere this year. “I just came from Tajikistan and they played this song everywhere,” she recalled. “To hear it over there, and hear it here, and in a large setting, bridges the world together.”
The plurality of music was on full display as Salim-Sulaiman invited artists from different cultures on stage, and engaged with the Jamat through the messages in their lyrics that struck a chord with many. The Sufi style of singing by a Rajasthani trio left the crowd in awe. Then came a medley aimed to please Jamati members in their silver years.
“The most surprising twist came when my 16-year-old son’s face lit up as the performers sang pop hits from American artists like Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars,” recounted Waheeda Kara, who attended the show in Austin. The event ended with a performance of the song Dhool, as the audience members were out of their chairs dancing alongside the artists. Waheeda described the event as a “truly memorable concert marking an even more memorable year.”
Waheeda was not alone in that belief. “The concert incorporated an array of cultures and generations, reflecting the global Jamat and ensuring people of all ages and backgrounds could appreciate and enjoy the show. I think they were very strategic when selecting the medleys they put together. It seemed there was a moment for each person to get excited and feel connected to both the artists and the Jamat,” recounted Shaya Kara.
The concert, with its moments of reflection and spiritual elevation, left the audience inspired and appreciative. Salima Khimani, who attended the concert in Dallas, found the mix of celebratory and devotional music reflective of Ismaili values. “I think it was pretty balanced because I believe din and duniya work together--- and I felt that tonight,” she said.
Salima added that the atmosphere the musicians created on stage touched her heart.
“I felt proud to be an Ismaili because that gave me a sense that the Imam is aware and everybody knows about him,” she said.“We all danced to one rhythm and I think that is the spirit of Diamond Jubilee.”
