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Rizwan-Muazzam Tour - March 2017

Beautiful Qawwalis – 5 you may not have heard!

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The ancient art of Qawwali is centuries old. Although Qawwali is becoming an increasingly popular genre in World Music, there are some beautiful Qawwalis which are not as exposed. Songs of love, both requited and unrequited, Qawwali has been a special form of music for expressing a mystical emotion. We searched out 5 not so well known Qawwalis for you to get to know.

Kanhaiya Yaad Hai

This Qawwali sings of the intense separation from the Beloved, Krishna.  The lover asks, “Tell me Krishna, do you remember me at all?” The mood of intense love and separation is an important part of the Bhakti (devotional) tradition. This devotional song was written by Nawab Sadiq Jang Hilm of Hyderabad.

Kaisa Naach Nachaaya Dhola

Sung by acclaimed Qawwals Fariduddin Ayaz & Abu Mohammed, this Qawwali describes the marvels of God walking on Earth in human form. The theme of the individual being dependent on God’s will and the exploration of leela, or divine play, are the theme of this Qawwali.

Ae Ri Sakhiri Morey Khwaja Ghar Aaye

Fariduddin Ayaz, Abu Mohammed and party perform “Ae Ri Sakhiri Morey”. This Qawwali is a composition by Amir Khusro, the founder of Qawwali. Khusro sings in praise of his beloved master in the mood of devotion and longing.

Teri Soorat Nigahon Mein

https://youtu.be/Gla3KRN_wG4

Aziz Mian is a Qawwali icon. He was the only prominent Qawal to write his own lyrics. His raspy voice made him a distinctive Qawal. In this qawwali, “Teri Soorat Nigahon Mein”, the lover expresses utmost loyalty to the Beloved: I died, but my eyes refused to close.
That was the height of waiting.

Sohne Mukhre Da Lain De Nazara

The fifth Qawwali chosen is by the iconic and arguably most well known Qawwal, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.  In the Qawwali, Sohne Mukhre De Lain De Nazara, the lover asks the Beloved, what will it cost to catch a glance of your beautiful face?

Experience the magic of Qawwali

We are looking forward to presenting the torchbearers of the Qawwali tradition, Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwals in concert this March. The nephews of the great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan will be performing in 8 different cities across the UK.

We hope you can join us and experience the magic of Qawwali, live in the UK!

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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - the King of Qawwali performing live.

Qawwali Classics | Top 5 Selection

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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.

https://youtu.be/mv98AFQIdnM

“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

Listen to my plea today, O Teacher!”
Tickets for Rizwan Muazzam UK Tour 2019

Experience Qawwali in the UK with the torchbearers of the tradition, Rizwan-Muazzam.

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Rizwan-Muazzam performing Qawwali in March 2017

A Short Introduction to Qawwali

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They say music has no language. And such is the magic of Qawwali. The unique essence of Qawwali can be felt by listeners both familiar and new.
A short introduction to Qawwali

Ahead of our upcoming UK Tour with the torchbearers of Qawwali,Pakistan’s RIZWAN-MUAZZAM, we explore the fascinating roots of the sacred tradition.

The beginnings of Qawwali

Qawwali began to emerge in 8th century Persia. However, Qawwali as we know today began to take shape in 13th century India. Credit is attributed to Sufi mystic saint, Amir Khusro, who is known as the “Father of Qawwali”.

Above: Amir Khusro. Image Credit: FamousPeople

What is Qawwali?

A fountain of inspiration for generations, Qawwali is more than music. It explores themes of love, devotion and feelings of separation from the beloved. Sometimes there is ambivalence towards whether the beloved is of human or divine nature.

Where is Qawwali sung?

Traditionally, Qawwali is sung within a Sufi shrine. Listen to a BBC Recording of Qawwali being sung at the Nizammudin Shrine in Delhi.   

The centuries old tradition of Qawwali is now shared beyond. Qawwali has in recent years been performed on prominent festival stages like WOMAD. RIZWAN-MUAZZAM performed Qawwali at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia. The intensity and poetic nature of the art form makes Qawwali a favourite choice in the Bollywood industry, the world’s largest film industry.

Famous Qawwals

A Qawwali singer is known as a Qawwal.

Famous Qawwals include Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Sabri Brothers and Aziz Mian Qawwal.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is highly revered as the King of Qawwali. He is widely considered to be the most important Qawwal in history. A key person who put Qawwali on the World Music map, Nusrat fateh Ali Khan had many honorary titles bestowed upon him and is an important icon worldwide.

RIZWAN-MUAZZAM, being the nephews of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, are carrying forward the ancestral legacy of Qawwali.

An Evolving Tradition

Qawwali was sung ordinarily only by men. However, women now sing Qawwali too and are recognised. Women Qawwals include Abida Parveen, Nooran Sisters and Sanam Marvi.

Abida Parveen is dubbed as the Queen of Sufi. The many accolades to her name include a life time achievement award presented by BBC Asian Network in 2016.

Above: Abida Parveen performing on Coke Studio

Live Qawwali

It is said that Qawwali has to be experienced to be believed. Expect to be taken on a musical journey through the hypnotic rhythm and entrancing vocals.

Above: Rizwan-Muazzam perform “Halka Suroor” at St George’s Bristol from our 2017 Tour

Tickets for Rizwan Muazzam UK Tour 2019

Experience Qawwali in the UK with the torchbearers of the tradition, Rizwan-Muazzam.

BOOK TICKETS NOW

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