Faiz Ali Faiz and Thierry (Titi) Robin have quite literally been creating magic together. Their musical collaboration is aptly titled “Jaadu” and consists of a mesmerising combination of different genres of music. Deeply influenced by Mediterranean culture, renowned French composer Titi Robin claims that only subtle sufi poetry can describe what he is trying to say in his music. For him, this music represents the equilibrium between worldly instinct and artistic form. “Do not ask me my identity, I am Machrab the tramp: where man burns, I extinguish fire with my tears and I go my way,” he says.
Hailing from a family of musicians, Faiz Ali Faiz started practising the art of qawwali when he was very young. He acknowledges his great admiration for Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and there is more than a passing resemblance to the great Ustad in Faiz’s melodic voice. Like Nusrat Fateh, Faiz’s rich vocals accent this fusion beautifully.
Titi Robin and Faiz Ali Faiz first met at the Festival Les Stopovers at Saint Nazaire in 2006. Their subsequent artistic collaboration is not just a simple dialogue between two talented musicians. Titi composed several original melodies, selecting modes and rhythms which in his mind could best represent the world of qawwali. On the other hand, Faiz tried to find inspiration in poetic texts which could match the musical notes. Finally, they polished the orchestral arrangements. The result is quite simply unique.
The kind of long songs they play are reminiscent of the gypsies of Hungary, the flamenco singers of Spain, the desert singers of Rajasthan and classical singers from India and Pakistan. Faiz’s voice is a departure from the rigid frame of traditional sufi style and blooms in a brand new musical repertoire.
There is his voice, then the guitar or rubab, the chorus and tabla, the accordion and drums, the clarinet and harmonium, all pitching in one after another. Each one listens to the other, helping each other realise this arresting fusion.
It seems there is magic in Titi’s fingers as they weave melody from the strings of the guitar and rubab in response to the eloquence of Urdu, Seraiki and Punjabi poetry. In his expert hands, the guitar and rubab are sensual, happy, sad, affectionate, and joyous, each emotion more haunting than the other.
Titi and Faiz’s interesting playlist includes ‘More Angna’ which is sung in praise of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, the sufi saint and founder of the Chistya order. Titi says he has gone on pilgrimage to Ajmer where Khwaja lies buried, and he is a great admirer of the saint. Then there is ‘Chambe di Booti’ of Sultan Bahoo, ‘Ya Ali’ which honours Imam Ali, ‘Mast Qalander’ and ‘Lage Jiya’, amongst others.
This subtle synergy of the fascinating sufi kalaam, rendered in Faiz’s inimitable style, and the irresistible strings of a wide array of instruments, has left audiences in France mesmerized. Titi Robin and Faiz Ali Faiz’s concerts receive top billing and are always sold out, with people not just sitting, but standing, kneeling and squeezing on to stairs and banisters. As the first notes of the concert echo in the packed auditorium, an awed silence descends. Faiz’s voice soars and ebbs and soon rows upon rows of enthralled people lean forward to immerse themselves fully in this artistic fusion. Then the jugalbandi picks up speed, and people start nodding their heads in time to the beat, and soon they are drumming tattoos with their hands and feet. Despite not understanding the lyrics, the French audience is soon immersed in the beauty of qawwali and the rhythm of the music.
‘Ya Ali’ and ‘Mast Qalander’ bring the audience to their feet. One man goes into a trance, he is so lost in the sufi kalaam that he starts shaking his head, immune to his surroundings. Others are clapping in tune to the music and shouting “Bravo!” One of the highlights of the concert is Faiz clapping and calling out beats to the arresting jugalbandi between the tabla maestro and the amazing African drummer.
There are shouts of “Once more!” when the concert ends and the artistes leave the stage. The audience is in no mood to depart and the clapping reaches a crescendo in front of the vacant stage. After a few minutes of deafening applause, Faiz and Titi return, arm in arm, and people shout out their approval and settle back to hear more glorious music.
Faiz Ali Faiz and Titi Robin happily sign copies of their CDs after the concert and are showered with accolades from reverent audience members. It is wonderful to see Pakistani artistes being treated with so much respect, and it is humbling to watch them act as ambassadors, promoting Pakistan’s name abroad by virtue of their musical prowess.
Would Rudyard Kipling have ever declared that “East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet” if he had the opportunity to savour this jugalbandi between artistes from France and Pakistan? Undoubtedly, the resounding success of Faiz Ali Faiz and Titi Robin’s performance is a testament to music’s truly universal appeal.
Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, February 20th, 2011.
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