Mohamed Assani is a sitarist and composer, known for his genre-defying approach to music making. Trained in Indian/Pakistani classical music, Western classical music and jazz, his music-making seamlessly draws from  different genres and cultures with depth and authenticity. Mohamed was twice nominated (in 2021 and 2022) as  ‘Instrumental Artist of the Year’ for the Western Canadian Music Awards.  

Mohamed has brought his sitar to new audiences across the globe through innovative collaborations that have  stretched the boundaries of his instrument. Career highlights include writing for the Vancouver Symphony  Orchestra, performing for his Royal Highness the Aga Khan, being invited to teach at London’s prestigious Royal  Academy of Music, and performing for celebrity couple Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas.  

In April 2020, Mohamed launched his acclaimed album, Wayfinder. Using a refreshing, contemporary sound palette,  Wayfinder incorporates a range of stylistic influences, including Indian/Pakistani Classical, Middle Eastern, jazz,  funk, Western Classical, ambient & electronic music. It was produced by Juno and Emmy nominated producer  Adham Shaikh. Wayfinder received critical acclaim from numerous sources. According to Vinyl Chapters, “The way  Mohamed Assani has manipulated, caressed and amalgamated so many different styles under the watchful rule of his  sitar playing is nothing short of mesmeric.” 

Well-known reviewers Jazz Views stated, “This music is nothing short of bewitching. It surprises, delights and  leaves the listener lifted, overwhelmed yet strangely calm. Not only can I understand how people are bewitched by  this music, I might be myself.”  

Mohamed’s music videos have been showcased at prominent Canadian and international film festivals. His music  video "Lullaby for Guli" was nominated at the Berlin FilmHaus Festival and featured at iSAFF Canada in 2023. It  will be screened once again at the Sundar Prize Film Festival in Vancouver in April 2025.  

Mohamed is a leader in his field – forging new paths for his music to develop and grow, while remaining committed  to the rich roots from which his tradition has emerged.