Qawwali festival: Sufi expressions in the art of qawwali

Qawwals spread the message of Islam in the entire subcontinent: PNCA director.


June 16, 2011

ISLAMABAD:


Renowned qawwals performed at a two-day qawwali festival at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) that concluded here on Wednesday.


Featuring a unique expression of qawwali, Allama Nazir Chishti Qawwal and group, Tanveer Salamat Noshi Qawwal and group, Naeem Munawwar Santo Qawwal and group, Sher Mian Dad Qawwal and Amjad Farid Sabri Qawwal enthralled the residents of the twin cities and music lovers on the first day of the festival.

On Wednesday, Muhammed Jamil Hajveri, Akhtar Sharif Radapwalay, Sabir Hussain, Javed Bakhshi Salamat Qawwal, Ameer Ali Qawwal, Rasheed Akhtar Maqbool and Ali Noshi entertained the audience.

The qawwal parties lead by young qawwali maestros gave the message of love, peace and harmony through music.

PNCA Director General Tauqeer Nasir said that qawwals spread the message of Islam in the entire subcontinent. He added Islam is a religion of love and peace and has been misinterpreted by a particular segment of ill-wishers of Islam.

He said qawwali follows a specific process in which one starts with singing. In this psychological state the song is received in a manner that is not unlike standard forms of musical expression. The words are sung and then repeatedly with variations intended to bring out deeper meanings of the lyrics. After a while there is a repetition to the extent that the words cease to have a meaning, Nasir added.

Harmonium, tabla, dholak, sarangi, saringda, and rabab, are common instruments in qawwali, with a  simple clapping of the hands to support the singing being a popular motif.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 16th, 2011.

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