We have now announced full tour dates for Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali’s UK tour. Looking forward to Summer 2022, in the second of our blogs about Qawwali, we bring you our Qawwali classics top 5 by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Nephews of legendary Qawwal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rizwan-Muazzam are carrying the bright family legacy of Qawwali and alongside other Qawwali songs, will likely perform some of these Qawwali classics top 5 in March.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, also known as the King of Qawwali, is considered to be the most important Qawwal in history. He is an icon who put Qawwali on the World Music map and many consider to be one of the greatest singers of all time.
Qawwali, a sacred art form, takes the listener on a journey through its profound lyrics and hypnotic rhythm. Some Qawwalis become classics that are impossible to listen to just once.
This selection is an example of such.
Check out our Top 5 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Qawwali Classics
Yaadan Vichre Sajan Diyan Aayan
This performance of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was recorded in 1985, Harrow, UK. The breathtaking vocals clearly move the audience, who are first generation Indians in the UK. Valuable video, as clearly reflected is the close bond music provides to “home”.
PS. The child on stage is the now superstar Rahat Fateh Ali Khan!
“I Pine For My Beloved
My Eyes Are Pouring Rain.
People Remember God
I Can Only Remember You.
I Pine For You, I Pine For You.”
Akhiyan Udeek Dian
This performance was recorded at Birmingham Town Hall, UK, 1993. The lyrics to the popular qawwali were written by Khawaja Pervez, prominent Pakistani film composer-lyricist. NFAK composed the music himself for this Qawwali.
“Come Back O Lover
My Eyes Long For You.
My Heart Calls Out To You.
Since You Have Become Upset With Me
Even The Crows Have Forgotten How To Caw.”
Chap Tilak | A 14th century poem composed by Sufi Mystic, Amir Khusro
Sufi mystic Amir khusro composed Chap Tilak in the 14th century in honour of his Spiritual mentor, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. The poem emphasises love as beyond religion and cultural identity. Also expressed in the poem is the complete surrender in devotional love.
“My Belonging And Religion
Have Been Taken Away –
By Just One Glance Of Yours.
My fair and delicate wrists
With Green Bangles,
Are Held By Your Glance.”
Jay Tu Akhiyan
A passionate Qawwali, the lyrics reflect heartbreak. The musical composition makes the intensity peak. Definitely a sad love song.
“If you aren’t to stay
Then give me my heart back.
I trusted your love Completely
And gave you all my heart.”
MERE RASHQE QAMAR
This Qawaali has recently been revived in both the Qawwali and Bollywood world. However, watching the King of Qawwali perform this gem is something truly special. What a surprise that this Qawwali did not become as well known as it is now.
“O envy of the moon,
When our eyes first met – I was overjoyed.
The lightning struck and destroyed me.
The fire you ignited left me ecstatic”
This post would be incomplete if we did not include Mast Qalandar. Watch Rizwan-Muazzam perform the evergreen classic at our previous UK Tour. Just a small taster of what to experience live!
RIZWAN-MUAZZAM perform Mast Qalandar
“The darkness inside me may it disappear, O Teacher
I have pinned my hopes on you, O Teacher
Tickets for Rizwan Muazzam UK Tour 2019
Experience Qawwali in the UK with the torchbearers of the tradition, Rizwan-Muazzam.