Imam Collective works at the intersection of music, culture, and collaboration.

Global sounds. Songs of belonging.

Build connection, celebrate heritage, and imagine new creative futures.

Projects

Strings Across Boundaries

You’d be hard-pressed to find a culture that hasn’t crafted its own unique string instrument. This project seeks to explore and unite these diverse string traditions from across the globe. Imam Collective has showcased a variety of string instruments including the Rabab, Oud, Sarod, Sitar, and Tar among others.

Dialogue

TEDx, Sarajevo 2024

After concerts, I often receive messages from people reflecting on something I said, which reminds me of the lasting impact dialogue can have. I also believe that behind every musical tradition lies a philosophy that is not always immediately apparent. Engaging in dialogue and sharing these underlying philosophies enriches our collective experience and deepens our understanding.

Community

Silkroad Global Music Workshop, Boston, 2024

Creating a sense of community lies at the heart of Imam Collective. Sharing space and engaging on a human level both on and off stage builds empathy and understanding that create connections which go beyond culture, language, and background.

Performance

Kennedy Center, DC

Rich Mix, London

National Theater, Sarajevo

Reina Sofia, Madrid

Sufi Lodge, NYC

Collaborations

Worlds Within Worlds is proud to announce the release of Imam Collective’s new EP Solitude, an atmospheric excursion into delicate sarod and guitar compositions.

I wrote Nadi inspired by the Tanpura, the drone central to Indian classical music. Tanpura means “complete sound,” reflecting its rich presence. I mirrored this on guitar by focusing the piece on one note. “Nadi” means “stream,” from Sanskrit nada, linked to Nada Brahma “Sound is Divine.” I'm honored to collaborate with a talented musician and dear friend, Mirza Redzepagic on Oud.

With an ensemble of musicians from across the globe, this unique project showcases music as a universal language that unites us all.

Featured Performance

Guitarist and composer Hasan Imam Hamdani leads a dynamic ensemble in an evening of original works that explore the intersection of global music traditions. Featuring Snehesh Nag on Sitar and Max Jacobs on Violin.

Knowledge

Often people engage with music on an aesthetic level, Does this sound good or pleasurable to me? Only afterward do they begin to consider the deeper meaning behind the music. As an educator, whether in my workshops or classroom, my aim is to introduce people to the meaning and philosophy behind a musical tradition or culture. Furthermore, I strive to help understand our collective cognitive and emotional processes in response to a piece of music or sound.

Mysticism in Music - Washington DC 2025

Music has long been believed to transcend the human spirit beyond its temporal state. We’ll investigate the music practices and traditions that have historically succeeded in this pursuit. Together we will discover the workings of the universe as one big cosmic instrument through the study of ancient mystic wisdom and scientific phenomenon. To support my presentation, I perform music from global artists including Bach, Ali Farka Toure, Toumani Diabate, Indian Classical music as it relates to the guitar and original music inspired by mysticism.

Affiliations

This Being Human is an arts and culture podcast devoted to amplifying the voices of leaders redefining what it means to be Muslim in today’s world.

Strathmore is thrilled to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Artist in Residence (AIR) program. The class of 2025 showcases a diverse range of talent that embodies the AIR program’s commitment to fostering a creative and inclusive artistic community.

A non-profit organization founded in New York City. Sing for Hope partners with hundreds of community-based organizations and mobilizes thousands of artists in creative service