Like father like son: Imran leaves audience in a spell

Audience reminisced about his father, legendary Aziz Mian.

ISLAMABAD:

Emulating his father’s celebrated style, Imran Aziz enthralled the audience at Kuch Khaas on Friday night while performing at a musical evening organised as a tribute to the renowned qawwal Aziz Mian.

The event, organised by the Institute for Preservation of Art and Culture (IPAC), hosted a large number of qawwali lovers, including many foreigners. However, owing to the high priced ticket of Rs1,500, many enthusiasts were restricted from availing the opportunity.

Aziz Mian, a legendary figure in South Asia, was famous for unique style of qawwali. Born in 1942 in Delhi, he migrated to Pakistan in 1947 and began learning the art of qawwali at the age of ten.

The audience, comprising women and men in almost equal numbers, were seated in the venue’s garden area, akin to a traditional qawwali setting. Aziz performed with great zeal, much like his father, and compelled listeners to applaud profusely.

A foreigner, Helen Busby, admitted to tremendously enjoying the qawwali even though she could not understand much. “This is the second time I have had an opportunity to listen to Imran’s qawwalis. They are full of emotions and melody, which are feelings that transcend language barriers,” she said.



Imran’s team of performers includes members of his father’s team, who propel his enchanting style of performance.

Classic qawwalis like Mein Sharabi and Teri Surat Nigahon Mein Phirti Rahe along with others were instant hits even with the younger audience.

“I feel like I am listening to the late Aziz Mian. Imran has successfully adopted his father’s unique style, especially his way of singing,’’ said audience member Shahnaz Begum, adding that nevertheless, his father was a maestro in his own league and will always be remembered.

IPAC Chief Executive Umair Jaffar told The Express Tribune that the basic aim of the event was to pay tribute to the master of qawwali Aziz Mian and to provide awareness to youngsters about the country’s culture and traditions.

“Most of our younger generation are clueless about the ‘sufi kalaam’ and this is the best way to educate them about it,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30^th, 2013.