The album, which features eight traditional tracks, celebrates the centuries-old tradition of Qawwali music rooted in the teachings of Hazrat Amir Khusrau, a 13th-century poet, musician, and philosopher. Known for formalizing the genre, Khusrau’s legacy continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.
At the heart of this project is the brilliant ensemble Ghayoor-Moiz-Mustafa Qawwal & Party, a group hailing from the Dilli Ke Qawwal Bacchon Ka Gharana. This musical lineage, which spans 27 generations, is one of the oldest in South Asia and traces its roots back to Miyan Samat Bin Ibrahim, a disciple of Khusrau. With their dedication to preserving the purity of the Khusravi tradition, this young group has earned acclaim for their commitment to the spiritual and musical heritage of qawwali.
Khusravi qawwali, known for its intricate blend of poetry, spirituality, and music, has been passed down orally for generations. Ghulam Mustafa, a member of the group and the son of celebrated qawwal Abu Muhammad, spoke about the sacred responsibility of preserving these timeless works. "We regard these qawwalis as sacred," Mustafa said. "Recording them was not just a project—it was our way of honoring a centuries-old tradition with the care it deserves."
Executive producer Ally Adnan has been an instrumental figure in bringing this project to life. Adnan, who has a deep connection with the Dilli Gharana, emphasized the importance of this recording. "The repertoire of the Dilli Gharana is invaluable," Adnan remarked. "With this album, we’ve created something that honors the past and ensures its future. It’s an achievement that will open doors for similar projects."
The album was recorded at the legendary Audio Dallas Recording Studio, a place that has played host to iconic artists like Willie Nelson. The sound engineer for the album, Shariq Lalani, took on the technical complexities of recording qawwali music, which is renowned for its layers of sound and live energy. “Capturing the essence of qawwali in a studio setting is no easy feat,” Lalani said. “But it was an incredibly rewarding experience, and we’re thrilled with the results.”
One of the standout elements of qawwali is the connection between the performers and their audience, particularly in a live mehfil-e-samaa setting. This spiritual rapport is central to the genre’s impact. Moiz Ayaz, brother of Ghayoor Ahmed and another key member of the group, spoke about the importance of having a spiritually engaged audience present during the recording process. “The energy of the audience is a crucial part of our performance," Moiz explained. "It’s that shared spiritual connection that elevates the music, even in a studio setting.”
The album is set for release in November and will be available on both streaming platforms and as a physical CD. As qawwali continues to captivate listeners worldwide, Khusravi Qawwali stands as a testament to the enduring power of this sacred art form, reminding us that its relevance extends far beyond its ancient roots into modern times.
Noor Akbar Chishti is a graduate of IBA and a lover of art, culture, and history. He is a freelance contributor and can be reached at nakbar@khi.iba.edu.pk.
