Sain Zahoor Ahmad
When Saieen Zahoor Ahmad was a child, he had a dream. A hand reached out to him, beckoning him to his destiny. The hand of his Murshid (guide) was such a powerful image that he left home at the age of thirteen and went in search of his guide. He wandered the sufi shrines of Punjab, Azad Kashmir and Sindh until he reached the town of Uch Sharif. He came across a small shrine in Uch Sharif, and a man waved at him to enter. He realized that this was the hand from his dream.
born in a rural village in the Okara/Sahiwal region of Punjab Sain began learning music at the age of five. He studied under Raunka Ali (Patiala Gharana) as well as other musicians from Uch Sharif. Although illiterate, Zahoor memorized the poems of Bulleh Shah, Muhammad Mian Baksh and many others. Recognized by his multi-coloured robes, ghungru-clad feet and constant companion, the ektara (one-stringed folk instrument), Saieen Zahoor became a common sight at sufi shrines and street festivals.
Known for the raw timbre of his voice, Saieen Zahoor gained accolades at the BBC World Music Awards, winning the title of “Best BBC Voice of the Year” in 2006. Since then, he has gained popularity in Pakistan and abroad, performing in India, Ireland and the UK to name a few. He also toured with over 60 performers as part of His Highness Prince Aga Khan’s Golden Jubilee initiative, A Mystical Journey: Sufi Music and other Expressions of Devotion from the Muslim World.
In addition to a slew of TV and stage appearances, Saieen Zahoor was a musical guest on Rohail Hyatt’s Coke Studio, reviving Bulleh Shah's poetry with his deeply moving performances, including the now legendary collaboration with Noori, "Aik Alif".
Zahoor has also been featured in the soundtracks for Khuda Ke Liye and more recently, West is West.
Saieen Zahoor is a mirror reflecting the words of the poets of the past, forcing his audience to look within themselves to find the truth. His mesmerizing talent is magnified by his humility and grace. A true mystic on stage and in life, Saieen Zahoor's performance at RBC Mosaic 2011 promises to be a once in a lifetime experience.