We recently connected with Sherjan Ahmad and have shared our conversation below.

Sherjan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I think the moment I truly knew I wanted to pursue music professionally happened when I was performing with my first band, The BeStills, in Rockland County. We had this unity concert at the First Reformed Church in Nyack and something about that night—maybe the energy, the connection with the crowd, or the sheer joy of playing live—made me realize that music was more than just a passion. It was a purpose of bringing people together from different backgrounds and connecting as one. Later, as I transitioned to exploring my Pakistani and Sufi roots, that feeling deepened. Music became a bridge between cultures, a way to tell stories that mattered. And when I found myself touring with South Asia’s biggest band, Junoon, playing in arenas and stadiums, I knew this was where I was meant to be. But really, that first moment—on a small stage in Rockland, playing for a community that believed in music’s power—was when it all started.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Sherjan Ahmad, and I’m a musician, educator, activist, and cultural storyteller, weaving together the sounds of my heritage—blending Eastern traditional music with contemporary influences. I grew up in Rockland County, NY, but my roots trace back to Lahore, Pakistan. Music has always been more than just a passion; it’s been the defining force of my life.

As the son of Salman Ahmad, the guitarist and founder of South Asia’s biggest band Junoon, I was immersed in music from an early age. But my journey was never about walking an inherited path—it was about forging my own. At 13, I picked up the guitar and taught myself to play by ear, captivated by the way sound could express emotion and tell stories. That passion led me to form my first band, The BeStills, in high school, where I first experienced the thrill of live performance.

Over time, my music evolved, drawing me deeper into the spiritual and poetic essence of South Asian and Sufi traditions. As a solo artist, I continue to explore and redefine these influences, creating a sound that is uniquely my own. Through every note, every stage, and every story I share, I remain committed to carving out my own voice and purpose—one that bridges cultures, connects people, and keeps the spirit of music alive.

I got into the industry through a mix of passion, persistence, and community. My passion for music has led me to perform in arenas and stadiums across North America, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia, but I also deeply value the intimate, personal connections that come from my solo work, storytelling, and music education. I’ve had the great honor to collaborate with music legends such as Peter Gabriel on an HBO documentary film titled “Open Your Eyes” & performing with Jason Mraz. I was featured as a guest guitarist on Pakistan’s biggest music platform Coke Studio Season 10, contributing to performances of “Sayonee” and “Ghoom Tana” alongside esteemed Pakistani artists such as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Junoon. I’ve had the honor to perform at prestigious venues such as The Great American Music hall, United Nations General Assembly, Wembley Arena, The Bowery Electric & Rubin Museum of Art.

My commitment and dedication to cultural exchange and community building has been recognized with citations from Nassau and Bergen County.
In 2024 I received accolades from Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, celebrating my impactful contributions to the arts and unwavering dedication to fostering cultural harmony and understanding.

My debut album “Jaan” was released in 2021 and the lead single “Chaen” from the album was featured on BBC Radio’s Top 5 charts for 3 consecutive months.

I create music that bridges cultures, blending rock, blues, and folk with the spiritual depth of Sufi poetry and Pakistani traditions. Whether through live performances, collaborations, or teaching, my goal is to inspire connection, dialogue, and healing through music.

Beyond music I also do work for a nonprofit SSGWI (Salman & Samina Global Wellness Initiative) 501(c)(3) organization based in New York, focused on music education, storytelling, film, cross-cultural dialogue, and community development projects like rural low-cost housing, food security, and water safety. Since 2008, I’ve been part of this great work.

As a guitarist and educator, I teach private lessons and classes at Bach to Rock, guiding students of all levels in rhythm, composition, and discovering their own unique creative voice. I also create content that helps musicians refine their craft—whether they’re just starting or looking to master new techniques.

What sets me apart is my ability to weave music, storytelling, and activism together—bringing people together through art, creating meaningful change, and staying true to both my Western and Eastern influences.

I’m most proud of the impact of my music and nonprofit work—whether it’s performing on global stages, teaching students, or using storytelling to highlight important social and cultural issues. Music has the power to heal and unite, and I strive to make every note and lyric count.

For those discovering my work:
• If you’re a music lover, expect a fusion of rock and Sufi traditions, blending the familiar with the spiritual and the unexpected.
• If you’re an aspiring musician, I offer lessons that go beyond technique—helping you find your own musical identity.
• If you’re interested in storytelling and cultural dialogue, my nonprofit’s projects and films explore the intersections of music, history, and human experience.

Ultimately, my work is about bridging worlds—between East and West, past and present, tradition and innovation. Whether on stage, in the studio, or through education, I want to leave a lasting impact through music and storytelling.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the connection—with the audience, with fellow musicians, and with something greater than myself. Music has this incredible ability to transcend language, borders, and backgrounds in a way that nothing else can. I’ve experienced that firsthand—whether playing in a packed arena or stadium, where thousands of people from different walks of life sing in unison, or in a quiet moment with a student discovering their own musical voice & journey.

Music brings people together in ways that no politician or speech ever could. It cuts through divisions, speaks directly to the soul, and reminds us of our shared humanity. A single melody can unite people across cultures, and a song can express emotions that words alone fail to capture. In a world often defined by conflict and separation, music remains a universal language of connection, healing, and understanding.

That, to me, is the true power and reward of being an artist—creating something that doesn’t just entertain, but unites, resonates, and lives on in the hearts of those who hear it.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey of authenticity and consistency. From the start, I knew I didn’t want to chase trends or create content just for the sake of views—I wanted to share what truly mattered to me: music that resonates, performances that connect, and moments that feel real.

I found that when I shared live concert performances, guitar covers, or snippets of new songs, people naturally gravitated toward them.

What I’ve learned is that being authentic is the key. When you put out content that reflects your true passion, you attract the right audience—people who connect with the music, the energy, and the story behind it.

So if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Be real, put out the music that speaks to you, and the right listeners will find you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sherjanahmad.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherjanahmad/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Sherjanmusic/
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC7cQJeBOgjdnr3zXdiQOFsQ

Image Credits

Sherjan Ahmad