Saami Brothers with Joey Weisenberg – Concert and Conversation

The legendary Saami Brothers bring their centuries-old, soul-stirring Qawwali tradition to Philadelphia for the first time—one night only at The Weitzman. Qawwali (“knowledge of words” in Arabic) is known for its hypnotic rhythms, melodic improvisation, and emotionally charged repetition that guides listeners toward wajd—a trance-like state of spiritual ecstasy.

Over the last 50 years, a commercialized form of Qawwali has gained global prominence through artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. But the Saami Family of Pakistan has carefully preserved an ancient, deeply spiritual form rarely heard outside South Asia—and they share it with us in this extraordinary U.S. appearance.

Joining them is Joey Weisenberg, a friend and student of the Saami family and renowned for his innovative approach to Jewish sacred music. Together, these extraordinary artists invite audiences to The Weitzman for a rare conversation and concert where devotion, tradition, and improvisation transcend religious and cultural divides.

Produced by The Weitzman in partnership with The Center for Cultural Vibrancy.

More About the Saami Brothers

Central to Qawwali’s origin is the figure of Amir Khusrau, a 13th-century poet and musician often credited with formalizing the roots of the tradition. Qawwali has been shaped and preserved for centuries through hereditary lineages known as gharanas, or musical families, first developed by Khusrau. The Saami are fierce guardians of the oldest and most distinguished of these lineages: the Qawwal Bacha Dehli Gharana—a musical school of thought founded by Khusrau himself. The Saami’s represent one of the last families continuing this tradition in its purest form.

Equally vital to their lineage is Khayal—meaning “imagination”—a classical, largely wordless vocal tradition developed by Amir Khusrau that laid the foundation for the Qawwali music that followed. The Saami family are master vocalists, capable of rendering a rare 49-note microtonal scale with subtle precision and endless melodic variation. They are the sole Qawwali group to incorporate elements of this rarified tradition.

The brothers will be joined by accompanying singers and musicians for a concert of spell-binding awe. Audiences are encouraged to surrender to the spiritual and healing power of this music. Even without understanding the lyrics, one can close their eyes and travel with these remarkable vocalists on a profound sonic journey.

More About Ustad Saami

Hailed as one of the last living masters of a 1,000-year-old healing centered vocal tradition, Ustad Saami is the keeper of a microtonal 49-note scale once considered essential to spiritual elevation in Sufi practice. Based in Karachi, he has spent a lifetime preserving and performing Khayal—an intricate, meditative style that predates modern Qawwali. His music has captivated global audiences, offering not just performance but transmission of an endangered artform. 

More About Joey Weisenberg

Joey Weisenberg is a visionary musician, composer, and founder of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute. Known for his soul-stirring melodies and collaborative spirit, he has transformed Jewish communal music-making across the country. His work draws from American roots, Ashkenazi nusah, and global sacred music traditions, making him a natural partner in this unprecedented musical meeting.

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