Three Pakistani musicians have been nominated for the 2025 Aga Khan Music Awards, bringing global recognition to their efforts in classical and folk music traditions

The prize panel unveiled the nominees on Thursday, recognising artists who have played an important role in maintaining the cultural musical legacy.

The Pakistani nominees include Juman Latif, Ustad Noor Bakhsh and Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, each known for carrying forward centuries-old musical legacies.

Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, regarded as Pakistan’s leading classical vocalist, is the last living custodian of the 49-note surti scale.

Trained in the Delhi gharana under legendary qawwal Munshi Raziuddin, he has dedicated decades to teaching and performing khayal, helping keep one of the subcontinent’s rarest musical systems alive in Pakistan and Europe.

From Balochistan, Ustad Noor Bakhsh has spent more than fifty years mastering the benju, a plucked string instrument.

He is regarded as an essential voice for Baloch music culture and throughout the province for his mastery of both folk and classical songs.

Juman Latif, also known as Fakir Juman Shah, represents Sindh’s spiritual musical tradition.

He performs Shah jo Raag, a deep-rooted tradition based on the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, and aims to introduce this Sufi musical form to audiences around the world.

The Aga Khan Music Award was launched in 2018 by the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV to honour artists who help strengthen harmony and cultural understanding through music. In 2023, Pakistani folk icons Sain Zahoor and Zarsanga were among the winners.

This year’s ceremony will take place under the patronage of Prince Rahim Aga Khan, successor to Prince Karim Aga Khan, along with Prince Amyn Aga Khan.