Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim.

Your Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi,
Your Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a privilege to be with you this evening.

These Awards began as a vision shared by my father, His Highness Karim Aga Khan, and my uncle, Prince Amyn, who is with us tonight. Their conviction was that music, deeply rooted in the diverse cultures of the Muslim world, could be a source of strength – both for individuals and for societies. They believed that by recognising and supporting musicians who carry these traditions forward, we also affirm the creative spirit that connects us all.

When my father inaugurated the first Awards in Lisbon in 2019, he reminded us that in some parts of the world, the words Muslim and music are not often linked together. He spoke about how, across centuries and continents, Muslim civilisations have embraced music as a language of reflection, beauty, and faith. His words carry special meaning tonight, as we celebrate artists who continue that legacy in new and in creative ways.

There is something very special about simply being able to create sound with intention. From every corner of the world, people with talent and something to share find ways to reach others through music. And, while there are many barriers, it remains one of the most accessible art forms.

Perhaps that is why it is one of the few spaces where difference does not divide us – it allows all of us to share emotion without translation. And that is what these Awards stand for.

The musicians that we honour tonight embody both mastery and generosity. Their artistry is not only technical – it is human. And through their work, they can transmit knowledge, values, and stories that have travelled through generations. And in doing so, they remind us that tradition is not a relic of the past, but a living current that flows through the present. They build on what has come before – with original, innovative sounds and arrangements – expanding our musical horizons.

The impact of these artists tonight is not measured only by applause or recordings, but by the lives they touch. Whether that’s a student inspired who finds confidence in learning an instrument. Or someone forced away from their home who feels reconnected with their community when they hear a familiar melody. These are the moments when music moves from the stage and into the world.

This is why the Aga Khan Music Awards are not simply a ceremony of recognition – they are a statement of belief: that culture is a foundation of development, and that creativity is a form of service. The musicians that we celebrate tonight show that art can open paths to dignity and livelihood. They demonstrate also that beauty and purpose are not separate pursuits, but parts of the same human story.

Underlying all of this is the principle of pluralism which my father so often spoke about. The understanding that our differences are not barriers but bridges.

Each of tonight’s laureates brings a distinct cultural inheritance, and yet together their work affirms a shared humanity. They remind us that listening – truly listening – is itself an act of respect and empathy.

In a time when noise often overwhelms understanding, these artists invite us to pause, to hear, and to reflect. Their music reminds us that unity does not require uniformity – it grows from the dialogue of many voices, and is harmonised by mutual respect.

I want to express my deep appreciation to all those who make these Awards possible: the jurors; the organisers; the teachers and mentors whose dedication sustains this community of artists. And to the laureates, thank you for reminding us what it means to create with purpose, with humility, and with heart.

It gives me great pleasure now to invite back to the stage the remarkable winners of the 2025 Aga Khan Music Awards.

Thank you.