THE SABRI SISTERS

you & me

Music had always surrounded the lives of Sabri Sisters long before they stepped into the industry professionally. Anamta and Saman, popularly known as the Sabri Sisters, are also recognised as Pakistan’s first female Qawwali duo. The pair, who are currently the ambassadors for Spotify’s EQUAL Pakistan programme for Q2 2026, officially began their musical career in 2014, though their journey with music started in childhood. Raised in a family where music was treated like a lullaby, the sisters grew up participating in school competitions from an early age. “It started with Naat competitions and then transformed into singing competitions as well,” they shared. Over the years, the pair steadily built their place in the music scene with their distinct style and powerful vocals, continuing to shape an identity of their own. This week, You! is in conversation with the musician duo as they share their likes and dislikes with our readers…

What inspired you to pursue music?

Music has always been part of our family legacy and our father took it very seriously. If we missed a note during practice, he would immediately correct us. That early connection built a strong bond with music and inspired us to pursue it professionally. We believe it was always written for us to carry forward our own musical legacy.

What is your specialised field of singing?

We have always felt deeply connected to Sufi music. It started with naatkhwani and gradually led us towards the Sufi genre. During a Ramazan transmission, host Dr Huma Mir advised us to focus on Qawwali because of our strength in Sufi music. That’s when we decided to pursue music as Pakistan’s first female qawwali duo.

What is your most memorable concert to date?

‘Karachi Eat’ has to be our favourite. It was the first time we performed ‘Meri Zindagi Hai Tu’ live and the crowd’s response was unbelievable. Hearing thousands sing along with us was surreal. We later performed it in Lahore and Hyderabad too and the audience response everywhere still gives us goosebumps.

What are you currently working on?

We have exciting collaborations and projects in the pipeline with fellow musicians. There’s also a wedding song coming up, which is one of our favourites. With international shows lined up, we’re excited for audiences to hear some of these tracks live as well.

How does it feel to be the Ambassador of the Quarter for EQUAL Pakistan?

It feels surreal and exciting. Legends like Abida Parveen and Sanam Marvi have represented Pakistan through this platform before, so it comes with pressure too. But it also feels like we are finally building the legacy we always dreamed of.

How important are such initiatives for women artists?

The music industry has mostly been dominated by male performers, so platforms like this give female artists recognition and visibility. Especially in Qawwali, it creates space for women musicians to make their mark.

Tell us about your song featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist.

‘Meri Zindagi Hai Tu’ was one of those songs whose impact we could never predict. It took us 12 hours in the studio to record it and we tried several versions before finalising it. When it released, it instantly became a sensation. The love we’ve received online and offline has made it a part of our identity now.

Have you released any music albums so far?

Releasing an album requires time, attention and a detailed creative process. Music release strategies have also changed over the years. We haven’t released an album yet, but working on a proper Sufi Qawwali album is definitely part of our plans.

Top three songs in your playlist?

‘Dhamaal Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’, ‘Dhoondo Ge Agar’ by Abida Parveen and ‘Aaqa’ by Abida Parveen

Your favourite international music celebrity?

Anamta: Shakira for her stage presence and energy.

Saman: Sunidhi Chauhan for her versatility and vocal power.

Who is your icon in the music industry?

Our biggest inspiration is Abida Parveen. The soul and honesty in her singing has always touched our hearts.

What was the role of music in your early years?

Our upbringing was deeply connected to music. Learning from baba is one of our earliest memories. Today, performing on stage and in studios makes our parents proud and brings us happiness too.

Who was your favourite star growing up?

We loved the performance aura of Michael Jackson while growing up. The confidence and vocal strength of Sunidhi Chauhan also inspired us.

What was the first instrument you learned to play?

The Harmonium. It is one of the most important instruments for building a foundation in Qawwali and classical music.

Your most irritating habit…

Time management. If one of us is ready, the other is always late. On-stage we’re perfectly in sync but at home we’re often off-beat with timing.

You don’t like people who are…

Dishonest or self-centred. We feel disconnected from people who constantly praise themselves.

You are afraid of…

Saman: Heights and flying.

Anamta: Reptiles, especially snakes.

Your most valuable possession?

Our parents.

Your all-time favourite movie?

‘Jab We Met’. We love films that make you feel light-hearted.

Are you shopaholics?

Absolutely. In fact, we went shopping right before this interview. Shopping feels like therapy during difficult times.

What bores you the most?

We are very fun-loving people, so overly serious energy around us becomes boring.

You are crazy about…

Music. Our thoughts, soul and identity are all connected to it.

How do you spend your Sundays?

Mostly with family, especially our sisters. Cooking together and spending time at home is our favourite thing. Riyaaz is also part of our daily routine.

What is your favourite tune these days?

Right now it’s ‘Meri Zindagi Hai Tu’ because of the love it received from fans.

If you could tour with any musician for a month?

Without a doubt, Abida Parveen. It would be a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience.

Your favourite hangout?

Spending time with family at home on our favourite couch. The peace we get there is unmatched.

If you had a time machine, which era would you revisit?

Our childhood and school years. We miss that carefree lifestyle.

Who do you see as your main competitor?

We are our own competitors. Every artist has their own uniqueness and should focus on that instead of competing with others.

Is understanding old music important?

Absolutely. Old-school training teaches vocal control and depth beyond auto-tune. Staying connected to your roots is the first step towards building a legacy.

Song that gets you on the dance floor?

‘Saadi Gali’ and ‘Maghron La’.

What’s the last thing you bought?

A new Harmonium.

What books are on your bedside table?

Anamta: Honestly, we’re not bookworms.

Saman: But whenever I feel disturbed, the poetry of Maulana Rumi and Bulleh Shah brings me peace.

First thing you do in the morning?

Checking our phones.

When not working, you are usually…

Spending time with family and doing music practice.

The most important relationship lesson you’ve learnt?

Never become fully dependent on others. A relationship is only beautiful if you don’t lose your identity and strength in the process.

You get uncomfortable when…

When someone behaves in a very ‘chichora’ (cheap or inappropriate) manner.

The biggest misconception about you?

People think we are foolish, but we are simply open-hearted people. And we forgive easily

Something very few people know about you?

We are extremely generous with the people we love. Our time, money and belongings are always available for them.

What’s your ultimate desire?

To visit Medina and Karbala.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

We want global recognition for our work while staying connected to our spiritual identity. Hum sirf mashhoor nahin, yaadgaar banna chahti hain. (We don’t just want to be famous, we want to be unforgettable.)