Sami Yusuf brings cultures together through shared music in ‘Rooted’ concerts

Following Ankara, Sami Yusuf will perform tonight and tomorrow at the Istanbul Congress Center as part of his “Rooted” concert series. The artist discussed his musical journey, his connection with audiences in Türkiye and his approach to the stage, which brings different cultures together.

Sami Yusuf, who performed in Ankara in the first leg of the “Rooted” concert series organized by 3Z Organization and WOVO Entertainment, will meet music lovers tonight and tomorrow at the Istanbul Congress Center.

With a large following in Türkiye and around the world, Yusuf brings the musical richness of different regions and humanity’s shared values together on the same stage through the “Rooted” concept. Drawing on Eastern and Western musical traditions, the artist reflected on the philosophy behind his music and his connection with Türkiye.

“Being rooted means taking root in tradition”

Yusuf described the “Rooted” project as a musical approach directly connected to tradition. The artist said he regarded not only traditional music but also modes, symbols, language, culture and art as part of this approach, adding that an expression rooted in tradition is more sincere, organic and authentic.

Yusuf explained that many elements of the concerts, from the carpets and clothing to the music and instruments, are grounded in tradition, and said that by “rooted” he meant taking root in tradition.

Describing the combination of instruments and musical traditions from different cultures as a synthesis, the artist said he had invented none of these elements but was honored to make the common thread connecting them visible. He said he heard this shared connection in Buddhist and Gregorian chants, Andalusian and Maghrebi music from Andalusia and Morocco, Turkish classical music and hymns, and China’s Taoist and other traditional music.

From the “When Paths Meet” project to an orchestra

Yusuf and his team first performed the project titled “When Paths Meet,” which dates back to 2022, at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The project brought together a choir from the Netherlands, an Amsterdam-based Andalusian orchestra, and a group of musicians from the Arab world, Türkiye and different regions.

This structure later evolved into an orchestra called the “Fons Sophiae Collective.” Yusuf explained that the orchestra emerged from the “When Paths Meet” concert series and was an important part of the shared approach connecting different musical traditions.

His connection with audiences in Türkiye

Yusuf said his musical journey began in 2000 with a particular sound and musical approach, adding that he gradually turned toward traditional and classical music and began taking a greater interest in music’s inner dimension. The artist said his listeners developed alongside him during this process.

Yusuf said he was pleased to have a knowledgeable audience in Türkiye and beyond that follows his music closely, explaining that audiences at his concerts in Türkiye focus intensely on the music. He said it was a great honor for him to see listeners follow the instruments and modes and recognize the points where different cultures intersect in music.

His interpretation of “Zahid Bizi Tan Eyleme”

Yusuf said he had known the piece “Zahid Bizi Tan Eyleme,” which is part of the concert repertoire, since childhood and decided to perform it in his own interpretation at the suggestion of a member of his team. He described the piece, which he said aligns with Nesimi’s outlook, as a traditional and profound hymn.

The artist said the melody in the Uşşak mode contains great richness within its simplicity and that listening to the piece repeatedly never becomes tiresome. He described interpreting this work from the tradition as a great honor and privilege.

“What remains is the music itself”

Yusuf said the Fons Sophiae Collective creates a collective structure at concerts that goes beyond individual performance, adding that traditional music is not limited to a single person. In the artist’s view, when the individual steps back, what is universal comes to the fore.

Yusuf explained that some sections were not suited to his own voice but fit the vocal ranges of Nabyla Maan, who joined the group from Morocco, Çiğdem Gürdal, İbrahim Suat Erbay or İsmail Boujia. The artist said he viewed the voices as musical portraits and that the aim of the concert was for the artist to step into the background and for the music itself to remain.

The importance of the human touch

Yusuf said that rather than adhering to a single musical style, he had created a multilingual and multicultural musical world, adding that algorithms did not know what to do with him. Referring also to debates over artificial intelligence, the artist said he believed human music and the spirit would endure.

Yusuf said people are moved by works that carry a spirit and have a human touch, adding that imperfections give music originality. The artist described his work not as “world music” but as a celebration of the traditions of world music, and said that although he deliberately chose not to give too many concerts, every stage performance affected him deeply.