New Jersey – A mesmerizing qawwali night filled with spiritual Sufi music and heartfelt community spirit lit up New Jersey last evening, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic attendees from across the region and beyond.
Celebrated Pakistani qawwal Sher Miandad Khan, popularly known as Sher Mian, captivated the audience with traditional Sufi songs performed in his signature soul-stirring style. Participants were deeply moved, opening their hearts, souls, and wallets as they showered dollars on the performer in a heartfelt display of appreciation and tradition.
The event was beautifully hosted by Red Lipstick Productions, with CEO Salman Butt and associate promoter Sajid Iqbal leading the organization. The venue sparkled with dazzling lights, creating a festive atmosphere. New Jersey’s Pakistani-American women added to the glamour, arriving in elegantly designed and decorated traditional dresses that left a lasting impression.
Before the musical session began, host Salman Butt addressed the gathering with warmth and gratitude:
“Thank you all so much. You all came here despite the very short time we had, yet the love and affection of our friends made it possible – by the grace of Allah, this beautiful gathering came together. We had to work at great speed.
Some friends are still calling me because our qawwali tomorrow is in Hicksville – about three or four families have already gone to Hicksville by mistake. That’s because we have programs on Friday, today, Saturday, Sunday in Maryland, and Thursday in Connecticut.
All the credit for these nights goes to Sajid Iqbal Sahib – he arranged everything. He is like my younger brother, MashaAllah, and we are very good friends. How can I thank him enough? I truly have no words.
But I would like you guys to enjoy a wonderful evening. MashaAllah, we have Sher Mian – one whose name echoes across the world, Alhamdulillah, and who has won numerous awards. So sir, thank you so much. Beautiful audience – I really appreciate you for coming here.
Everything happened on very short notice, but Alhamdulillah, all my friends who came – Sajid Ali Sahib, Chaudhry Bilal Sahib, and everyone – Friday is a very precious day. From the Pakistani-American Society, Shehzad Anwar Bhai, Sohail Bhai, and so many friends graced us with their presence. I thank you all.
InshaAllah, such gatherings will continue here. These events are organized for you – please participate, come, and enjoy them.”
Salman Butt then passed the microphone to Sajid Iqbal, who continued:
“Thank you all so much, first and foremost. Thank you to everyone – you have come from so far away. Some people have come from New York, some from Jersey, and some even from Karachi.
So, let me once again welcome Khan Sahib, who has come from Pakistan after attending his daughter’s wedding. Today is also his younger daughter’s birthday – so happy birthday!
And thank you, sir. I also want to express my gratitude to my team: Ali Bhai, Asad, Dennis, Salman, and everyone else – thank you so much for making this event so wonderful and so perfect.
And now, I won’t take any more of your time – enjoy your night!”
Sher Miandad Khan himself delivered an emotional address, expressing profound gratitude for the overwhelming love and hospitality. Describing the gathering as feeling “just like sitting in my home in Lahore,” he noted this as his fourth USA tour, where the affection stands out uniquely. “I will never forget the love I’ve received in the USA,” he said.
He extended special thanks to organizers, particularly Sajid Iqbal as his “younger brother” for orchestrating the tour on short notice, longtime resident Nasruddin Khan as a “big brother” figure, and team members including Salman Butt, Asad Bhai, Ali Bhai, and Dennis. He welcomed Khan Sahib from Pakistan and celebrated the birthday, urging continued community participation in future events.
The evening featured powerful qawwali performances, with upcoming shows in Hicksville, Maryland, and Connecticut. Sher Miandad Khan, son of legendary Ustad Miandad Khan and a Pride of Performance award recipient, continues to preserve the rich tradition of Sufi devotional music worldwide.
The night reinforced the strong cultural bonds of the Pakistani diaspora, blending spirituality, music, and communal joy in an unforgettable celebration.
