Qawwali

Qawwali, a genre of devotional music, emerged in the medieval era in the Indian subcontinent. It is a fusion of Islamic and Hindu musical elements that focuses on praising the divine, seeking spiritual enlightenment, and celebrating divine love. Qawwali originated as a form of Sufi Islamic devotional music that spread across the Indian subcontinent and became an integral part of South Asian music culture. Qawwali is believed to have originated in the 13th century during the rule of the Delhi Sultanate, which was influenced by the arrival of Islamic mystics, known as Sufis. Sufi mystics used Qawwali to convey their message of love and devotion to God to the masses. The earliest form of Qawwali was known as Wazifa, meaning "devotion" in Arabic. It involved the recitation of Islamic verses and chanting the name of God. In medieval India, the Sufi sects of Chishti, Qadiri, and Suhrawardi became popular, and their followers spread the Qawwali tradition. The most prominent Sufi saint who contributed significantly to the evolution of Qawwali was Hazrat Amir Khusro, a poet and musician in the 13th century. He merged Indian classical and Sufi music styles, creating a unique and distinct sound that became the foundation of Qawwali. The Mughal era (1526-1857) marked a significant transition phase for Qawwali music. With the arrival of Mughals, the culture of Central Asia and Persia influenced South Asian music, including Qawwali. The Mughals promoted Qawwali and provided patronage to Qawwali musicians. As a result, Qawwali became a significant part of Mughal courtly rituals and was performed on festive occasions and royal events. During the British colonial rule in India, Qawwali underwent another transformation. Indian Muslims felt the need to assert their identity and culture and began adopting Western musical instruments, such as the harmonium and the guitar. This led to a further fusion of Western and South Asian musical styles in Qawwali. With the partition of India and Pakistan's creation in 1947, Qawwali became an essential part of the Islamic culture in Pakistan. Prominent Qawwali musicians, such as Sabri brothers, Aziz Mian, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, emerged in Pakistan and gained international fame for their exceptional Qawwali performances. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is regarded as the greatest Qawwali musician of all time. He popularized Qawwali in the Western world and collaborated with Western musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Eddie Vedder, and Jeff Buckley. His performances of Qawwali were known for their soulful melodies and powerful, emotive voice that left audiences spellbound. In contemporary times, Qawwali has undergone significant changes, with artists experimenting with contemporary music and electronic instruments. However, the essence of Qawwali remains the same, that is, to bring people closer to the almighty and spread the message of love, peace, and harmony.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan – A legend in the world of Qawwali, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan needs no introduction. With unmatched vocal range and numerous hit tracks to his name, his music has a universal appeal and transcends borders and cultures. Amjad Sabri – The son of famous Qawwali singer Ghulam Fareed Sabri, Amjad Sabri made a name for himself with his soulful and powerful renditions. He passed away in 2016, but his music continues to inspire and comfort millions. Abida Parveen – Known as the “Queen of Sufi music” in Pakistan, Abida Parveen is renowned for her soul-stirring vocals and captivating performances. Her music touches the hearts of listeners worldwide. Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad – The duo of Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad are some of the most respected Qawwali singers in Pakistan. Their live performances are mesmerizing and they are considered custodians of the Qawwali tradition. Sabri Brothers – Consisting of siblings Maqbool Ahmed Sabri and Ghulam Farid Sabri, the Sabri Brothers made an indelible mark on the world of Qawwali. Their music is characterized by powerful vocals, grand orchestration, and a spiritual depth. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan – Nephew of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is a gifted and versatile singer who has collaborated with numerous artists across the world. He is the current torchbearer of the Qawwali tradition. Sher Ali Mehr Ali – A father-son duo, Sher Ali Mehr Ali hails from Lahore and has been performing Qawwali for generations. Their music is characterized by powerful vocals, poetic lyrics, and intricate melodies. Aziz Mian – Known for his unique style of Qawwali, Aziz Mian was a trailblazing artist who pushed the boundaries of the genre. His music is characterized by intense vocals, profound lyrics, and a bold and irreverent spirit. Faiz Ali Faiz – A celebrated Qawwali singer from Pakistan, Faiz Ali Faiz is known for his soulful and emotive performances. His music is a potent mix of traditional and contemporary elements and has earned him international recognition. Wadali Brothers – Consisting of brothers Puranchand Wadali and Pyarelal Wadali, the Wadali Brothers are famous for their simple and authentic approach to Qawwali. Their music is characterized by soulful vocals, minimal instrumentation, and a deep spiritual resonance.

1. "Tajdar-i-Haram" by Sabri Brothers 2. "Dum Mast Qalandar" by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 3. "Ya Mustapha" by Ahmed Jahanzeb 4. "Mera Piya Ghar Aaya" by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 5. "Ishq Da Uda Adaa" by Abrar-ul-Haq 6. "Chaap Tilak Sab Chheeni" by Abida Parveen 7. "Allah Hu" by Qari Waheed Zafar Qasmi 8. "Jhoole Laal" by Shazia Khushk 9. "Bhar Do Jholi Meri" by Sabri Brothers 10. "Kamli Wale Muhammad" by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 11. "Khwaja Mere Khwaja" by A.R. Rahman 12. "Maula Ali" by Sabri Brothers 13. "Mere Rashke Qamar" by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 14. "Tere Ishq Nachaya" by Abida Parveen 15. "Ali Maula" by Salim-Sulaiman 16. "Aaj Rang Hai" by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 17. "Laal Meri Pat" by Shazia Khushk 18. "Data Ke Ghulamon Ko" by Abida Parveen 19. "Sanson Ki Mala Pe" by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 20. "Dama Dam Mast Kalandar" by Sabri Brothers 21. "Wohi Khuda Hai" by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 22. "Nabi Nabi Ya Nabi" by Junaid Jamshed 23. "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" by Javed Bashir 24. "Main Mast Hoon" by Abida Parveen 25. "Teri Yaad Sath Hai" by Hadiqa Kiyani

One of the most famous books written about Qawwali is "Qawwali: Sufi Music of Pakistan" by Regula Burckhardt Qureshi. This book explores the history and cultural significance of Qawwali, as well as the artistry involved in the music and performances. Qureshi writes, "Qawwali performers do not adhere to a strict canon of rules, but rather allow themselves the freedom to improvise within the general framework of the form...Qawwali is a communal music, where the intensity of the performance depends on the rapport between performers and audience." Another notable book on Qawwali is "Music of India" by Bonnie C. Wade. This book provides an overview of the various forms of music in India, including Qawwali. Wade writes, "Qawwali singing is an art in which the performer seeks to achieve a state of ecstasy through repetition of sacred texts and melodies...At its best, Qawwali performance can transport the listener to a state of spiritual bliss." Many musicians have also provided their own insights into Qawwali. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, one of the most famous Qawwali performers of all time, once said, "Qawwali is a way of getting closer to God. It is a vibration that touches the soul and brings it closer to the divine." Another Qawwali singer, Abida Parveen, has said, "Qawwali is not just music, it is a way of life. It is a path to enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment." The legendary composer and musician AR Rahman has also spoken about Qawwali, saying, "Qawwali music is like a river – it flows and flows, never stopping. It is a celebration of life, love, and a connection to the divine...When I listen to Qawwali music, I feel like I am a part of something greater than myself." In addition to books and musicians, critics and scholars have also weighed in on Qawwali. Writer Bilal Qureshi has noted, "Qawwali may not have the same mainstream appeal as other genres, but its influence on modern music is undeniable...its emotional intensity and spiritual power have made it a force to be reckoned with." Musicologist Rustom Bharucha has said, "Qawwali is not just a type of music, it is a spiritual practice. It seeks to transport the listener to a state of ecstasy and transcendence, connecting them to the divine."

Social Context: The social context of Qawwali can be traced back to the time when Islam was introduced to the Indian subcontinent in the 12th century. The Sufi mystics who came to the region played a significant role in spreading their teachings through their music and poetry, which became an essential part of their spiritual practice. Qawwali was an integral part of their rituals, and it was the Sufi saints who laid the foundation for Qawwali as we know it today. Qawwali music has traditionally been performed in Sufi shrines during the celebration of Urs, which is the death anniversary of the Sufi saint. It was a social gathering where people from all walks of life came together to listen to the music and seek blessings. Qawwali was used as a means of communication between the saint and the common people, where the saint would use poetry to convey his message, and the Qawwali singers would sing it in a musical form. Cultural Context: Qawwali has a rich cultural heritage and is deeply ingrained in the cultural identity of the Indian subcontinent. Qawwali reflects the Islamic and Indian cultural traditions, and the poetry used in the genre is written in several languages, including Persian, Arabic, Urdu, and Punjabi. Qawwali is unique in its ability to blend different genres of music, such as classical, folk, and devotional music, to create a distinctive sound. Qawwali has been a significant influence on other musical genres in India, such as Bollywood music. Many Bollywood songs have been inspired by Qawwali, which has helped to make the genre more accessible to a wider audience. The popularity of Qawwali has also led to the establishment of several Qawwali groups in India and Pakistan that perform both traditional and contemporary Qawwali. Technological Context: The technological context of Qawwali can be traced back to the early 20th century when the gramophone was introduced in India. The gramophone enabled Qawwali music to be recorded and distributed on a larger scale, which led to the emergence of several record labels, such as EMI and His Master's Voice, that specialized in Qawwali music. In the 1960s and 1970s, the technological advancements in the recording industry made it possible to produce high-quality sound recordings that helped to preserve and promote Qawwali music. The introduction of the cassette tape in the 1970s allowed Qawwali music to be distributed more widely, and the genre became more accessible to people who could not attend live performances. Notable record labels that have contributed to the development of Qawwali music include Odeon Records, Sufi Soul Music, Music Today, and Universal Music. Journalists have also played a significant role in promoting Qawwali music in the media. Notable journalists who have championed Qawwali music include Khusro Khannum, Agha Hashar Kashmiri, and Muzaffar Ali.