Ask anyone invested in the entertainment economy just how challenging and demanding the sector is, and everyone will confirm it’s not for the faint-hearted. Undaunted, 14 years ago, two mavericks Osman and Shaaista Khan Osman, pooled their years of industry experience to create a full-service entertainment management company, Blu Blood. A business that, since its first show night, continues to thrive thanks to their collective investment in something precious and equally potent – happiness. The Business of Happiness is not a slogan or a campaign; it’s a way of life. It is every truth in every story, and every show; each has an element and an ability to bring happiness, cultivate happiness and share it with others.
From hosting world-renowned international acts on southern Africa and Middle Eastern stages, their passion for perfection and investment in supporting and growing the broader entertainment economy across two continents is palpable. As a family-based company, Blu Blood makes a difference by being ambassadors of joy; it’s #TheBluBloodWay.
In only a few short years, Blu Blood has made significant strides in the UAE.
Shaaista & Osman made the bold move of relocating their family and expanding their event and lifestyle business from South Africa to the UAE in 2019.
They were an integral part in opening up the entertainment industry in Dubai during the pandemic back in 2020, and it is noteworthy to say, that because of their contribution and investment in Dubai, they were awarded the coveted Golden Visa.
As the youngest in an overachieving family, Shaaista Khan Osman started out knowing that success was not an option but a necessity, learning from a very young age that what you wanted was within reach if you dared to dream big and action your dreams. Having an array of certificates and diplomas under her belt, she fancies herself a student of life, learning each day that she truly has so much more to learn. Building not only a brand but a lifestyle, Blu Blood true to the name is the embodiment of life and style with a flair for the extraordinary, which has always been Shaaista’s main objective for the business; as for her personal objective; this is to constantly push her personal and professional boundaries as she doesn’t believe in barriers, but rather the pursuit of your personal next best self.
Shaaista and Blu Blood’s journey thus far has seen them host many local and internationally renowned performers on southern African and Dubai stages, the likes of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shreya Ghoshal, Atif Aslam, Orlando Jones, Russel Peter, James Blunt, Jo Koy, Demi Lovato and many more. The company has worked with the creme de la creme of South African comedy and they are the creators of the long-standing comedy brand, Kings and Queens of Comedy. Over these years Shaaista has been blessed to be a part of amazing projects, some include successfully completing the task of creating and facilitating the coordination of the UNICEF child-friendly space at the 2010 FIFA World Cup throughout South Africa. In 2018, she was pivotal in assisting the UN Refugee Agency with an appeal campaign for donations to help raise the awareness of the refugee crisis as well as conceptualizing and hosting the first-ever UN Iftar on African soil. Recently, she has also been a part of the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network as Head of Communications.
