Washington, DC has been asking for the Saami Brothers—and asking loudly. So, rather than wait for someone else to make it happen, District of Raga and the Center for Cultural Vibrancy decided to throw the show ourselves.
On November 19, the Saami Brothers will bring their extraordinary Qawwali tradition to the acoustically magnificent and visually stunning Church of the Epiphany in downtown Washington, DC. This promises to be a rare and deeply immersive evening of devotional music—filled with hypnotic rhythms, soaring vocal improvisation, ecstatic call-and-response, and the unmistakable energy of one of the world’s great Qawwali ensembles.
Event Details
Saami Brothers Qawwali Live in DC
Thursday, November 19
Church of the Epiphany
1317 G Street NW, Washington, DC
Just steps from Metro Center
Doors: 6:30 p.m.
Concert: 7 p.m.
Early Bird General Admission: $44.67, including $4.67 in fees
Early Bird tickets are available until Monday, September 14 at 10 a.m.
Presented with the District of Raga and The Reed Society For Sacred Arts
About the Saami Brothers
The Saami Brothers are among the world’s foremost practitioners of traditional Qawwali, carrying forward an unbroken Sufi musical lineage stretching back nearly 800 years.
They are hereditary musicians of the legendary Qawwal Bacha Delhi Gharana, founded by the 13th-century poet, musician, and mystic Amir Khusrau. Through generations of oral transmission, the Saami family has preserved one of the oldest and most revered traditions of devotional music in the Islamic world.
Their performances embody the spiritual power that has made Qawwali beloved for centuries. Hypnotic rhythms, soaring vocal improvisation, ecstatic call-and-response, and devotional poetry come together to move performers and listeners toward wajd—a transcendent state of spiritual ecstasy.
Every Saami Brothers performance is spontaneous, emotionally charged, and deeply rooted in centuries of musical knowledge. No two concerts are ever quite the same.
More About Qawwali
Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music that emerged more than 750 years ago through a rich synthesis of Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and South Asian musical traditions. Built upon poetry, improvisation, rhythmic intensity, and communal participation, its purpose extends far beyond entertainment.
Traditionally performed at Sufi shrines and spiritual gatherings, Qawwali seeks to guide listeners toward wajd—a heightened state of spiritual ecstasy achieved through music, devotion, and collective experience.
While many listeners know Qawwali through iconic artists such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the form encompasses a much older hereditary tradition preserved by a small number of musical families. Among the most distinguished is the Qawwal Bacha Delhi Gharana, whose music has been safeguarded for centuries through oral transmission.
The Saami family stands among the last great custodians of this lineage. Their performances preserve an approach to Qawwali that predates the form’s modern evolution, emphasizing subtle melodic development, profound spiritual expression, and exceptional vocal mastery.
DC asked for the Saami Brothers. Now they’re coming. Join us for an unforgettable night of Qawwali in the heart of the city.
Accessibility
The Church of the Epiphany provides an ADA-compliant ramp at its main entrance, offering direct access to the sanctuary. Accessible restrooms are available on the main level via ramp access, and the sanctuary provides ample space for wheelchairs and other mobility or support equipment. As a historic building, the church does not have an elevator, and the upstairs balcony is accessible by stairs only.
