I beheld the crescent moon
and the luminous face of the Beloved.
And in that moment of vision, they became
two crescents in my sight.
And I could no longer tell which of them had slain me
Was it the crescent of the night sky
or the crescent of human form shining with Divine light?
Vocal section by Ismail Boujia
From the album: Alma: When Paths Meet
Arrangement & Additional Composition: Sami Yusuf
Arabic lyrics: Al Khobz Arzi
Listen/Watch: https://t.co/frW4aKFx6B
Oh my fate and reason for my confusion
Who could relieve my sufferings
In love and torment
Except the King of Heaven
Vocal section by Nabyla Maan
From the album: Alma: When Paths Meet
Arrangement & Additional Composition: Sami Yusuf
Arabic lyrics: Traditional
Listen/Watch: https://t.co/frW4aKG4W9
No hay nadie que se apiade
There is no one to show mercy
Excepto el Rey del cielo
Except the King of Heaven
De mi tortura y de mi anhelo
Of my torment and of my longing
Vocal section by Israel Moro
From the album: Alma: When Paths Meet
Arrangement & Additional Composition: Sami Yusuf
Spanish lyrics: Katherine O’Brien
Listen/Watch: https://t.co/frW4aKFx6B
Performing "La Llave" live at the Fes Festival was a truly moving experience for me. This piece is a celebration of shared heritage—a meeting point of languages, rhythms, and traditions.
We reimagined this centuries-old Andalusian folk song with new Spanish lyrics echoing its original Arabic verses, creating something that feels both ancient and new. I’m deeply grateful to the incredible artists who brought it to life with me—Israel Moro, Nabyla Maan, Ismail Boujia, and our brilliant ensemble.
In this live performance, world music traditions become a shared experience—an unrepeatable moment of connection that is intimate, alive, and deeply human.
With Love,
SY
La Llave – now on YouTube: https://t.co/frW4aKG4W9
From the album Alma: When Paths Meet
Salí en la noche oscura
Con ansias en amores inflamada
Sin otra luz y sin guía
Sino la del corazón ardía
I went out into the dark night
With an eager heart inflamed by love
With no other light and no guide
Except that of my burning heart
Israel Moro’s voice carries the raw intensity and aching beauty that define true flamenco, with a delivery that is both commanding and intimate.
Performed live at The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
From the album Alma
Arrangement and Additional Composition: Sami Yusuf
Music: Andalusian-Arabic Muwashshah
Spanish words by San Juan de la Cruz
Listen/Watch: https://t.co/1yExkiV3z8
Beyond the Stars was more than a concert—it was a meeting point of cultures, performed live at the stunning Al Wasl Dome in Dubai 2021.
These original compositions bring together the rich textures of global musical traditions—from the expressive tones of the Chinese erhu to the vibrant rhythms of qawwali and the intricate melodies of Andalusia. Each piece is a reflection of connection, creativity, and the universal language of music.
I’m grateful to have shared this unforgettable moment with master musicians and an audience from around the world.
With Love,
SY
Listen/Watch: https://t.co/3qxEgesWuU
The Wine of Love was composed for my performance at the Al Wasl Dome, Dubai 2021.
Set to beautiful Urdu poetry by Munna Shaokath Ali, the lyrics explore reflection, longing, and the search for connection:
“When I look at you, let me see myself in you…
May the longing for you never fade from my heart.”
This moment was deeply meaningful for me, and I hope for those who experienced it.
With love,
SY
Listen/Watch: https://t.co/CbSrdILV6z
‘Nasimi’ is one of the compositions closest to my heart. The ecstatic poetry of the 14th-century Sufi master Nasimi is celebrated here through the vibrant sound of Shur mugham, the beautiful and living musical legacy of the poet’s homeland.
This performance was recorded live at the Opening Ceremony of the 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Baku — a moment of deep meaning and pride.
With love,
SY
Karitas brings together global traditions—from Fuzuli to Hildegard, Andalusia to the East—uniting hearts through sound.
Composed by Sami Yusuf
Azerbaijani words by Muhammad Fuzuli
Book your tickets for the upcoming concert in Istanbul: https://t.co/sIMKCATPRw
Listen/Watch: https://t.co/m5SEi7ykbM
23 Ağustos’ta İstanbul Yenikapı’da sahne alacağım ve ECSTASY albümümden yeni eserleri ilk kez sizlerle paylaşacak olmaktan büyük mutluluk duyuyorum.
Bana az önce bildirildi ki biletlerin büyük çoğunluğu şimdiden satılmış—gösterdiğiniz sevgi ve destek için hepinize yürekten teşekkür ederim. Satışlar hâlâ devam ediyor ve bu unutulmaz geceyi sizlerle paylaşmak için sabırsızlanıyorum.
Bilet almak için: https://t.co/sIMKCATPRw
Sevgiyle,
SY
___
I’m so happy to be performing in Istanbul on 23 August at Yenikapı, where I’ll be premiering new pieces from ECSTASY.
I’ve just been informed that most of the tickets have already been sold—thank you all so much for your love and support. Sales are still ongoing, and I’m truly looking forward to sharing this unforgettable evening with you.
To book your ticket: https://t.co/sIMKCATPRw
With love,
SY
Passion had a subtle meaning
In souls and in shadows
And it appeared and was contained
In hearts and spirits
O air of burning desire
If you had a taste of wine
Oh from him constantly
He who has become drunk
has gained in richness
Vocal section performed by Nabyla Maan
Composed by Sami Yusuf
Arabic words by Abu al-Hasan al-Shushtari
Listen/Watch: https://t.co/7N6yzmzCSt
It is with deep gratitude that I share this moment: ‘L’Amour Vivant’ has reached over 4 million views on YouTube.
In an era of AI-generated and mass-produced music, the love shown to this 20-minute classical-crossover piece—rooted in World Music Traditions—is humbling.
This work is more than a composition. It’s a journey through Baroque textures, Arabic baladi, Central Asian depth, Persian modes, the Malian kora, and Chinese erhu—a tribute to the soul of traditional music.
As formulaic pop floods our culture, I’ve embraced the tag #HumanMusic—not in protest, but in praise of what is real, inspired, and felt.
My heartfelt thanks to The Sami Yusuf Ensemble, The Scoring Orchestra of Paris, The Métaboles, and all the soloists who brought this piece to life. And to you, the listener—thank you for receiving it.
Watch here: https://t.co/vtG9kWeMU0
With love,
Sami Yusuf