Ustad Naseeruddin Saami comes from the Qawwal bacha dilli family. His guru was Munshi Raziuddin under whom he started training in 1957, but it was not until 1977 that the master recognised Ustad Saami as his shagird. Besides his impressive background and startling style what is actually captivating is the stillness in his voice. The content of his singing with the emphasis on the purity of sur is almost extinct in the music scene of Pakistan.

Ustad Saami is a strict follower in the style of his family tradition-keeping sur as the most important component of his singing. His singing is peaceful and calm. Heartfelt rendition of the raga, manifesting the emotions, which are mentioned in the bandish, is one of the main aspects of Khayal Gayaki, in which he excels. He shows his versatility by also singing Sadara, Thumri, Tarana, Dadra and Ghazal in the Khllm.

His performances abroad, especially in Delhi and Bombay have brought Ustad Saami recognition and fame. The Society of Classical Arts, Pakistan is bringing out a collection of Ustad Saami’s renditions and has also set up the Farid Gunj Shakar Academy of Music in Lahore. Ustad Saami is reintroducing the purity of sur as the basis of singing to students who are learning music here.

Accompanied By

MOHAMMAD RAUF SAAMI

MOHAMMAD UROOJ KHAN