Ep34. Qawwali: A brief history (قوالی: تاریخچه مختصر)
Qawwali is a form of Sufi Islamic devotional singing, originating from the Indian subcontinent. Originally performed at Sufi shrines or dargahs throughout South Asia, it gained mainstream popularity and an international audience in late 20th century. Qawwali music received international exposure through the work of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Aziz Mian and Sabri Brothers.
Qawl (Arabic: قَوْل) is an "utterance (of the prophet)", Qawwāl is someone who often repeats (sings) a Qaul, Qawwāli is what a Qawwāl sings.
A lead vocalist and a small team of side singers take turns weaving in several different melodies, some of which will be improvised. After a long, improvised introduction for the main song, the singers all join in and vie with each other as the song builds towards its crescendo and sudden, abrupt end.
It’s all about the build-up, so Qawwali songs are rarely short - there are no radio edits here. They can be anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes long, with one of the longest known Qawwali songs - Hashr Ke Roz Yeh Poochhunga by Aziz Mian Qawwal - being almost two hours long!
Qawwali has a deeply religious history dating right back to the 13th century. It is the music of Sufi-sm, also known as 'Islamic mysticism,' whose followers believe in learning from teachers, rather than relying on texts. The influence of Sufism is huge within Islamic literature, music and the wider artistic beyond.
f you're at a Qawwali performance, you could be in for quite the experience.
Qawwali music is performed with the intention of bringing listeners to a state of religious ecstasy and is known to hypnotize both performers and listeners.
The reaction to Qawwali is intended to bring everyone involved to a spiritual union with God. If you get the chance to see a performance it can be an intense and profoundly moving experience, no matter your personal faith.
Qawwali music has moved with the times. Women are now welcomed both to perform and watch it, which they weren't for a very long time.
It has also become really popular all over the world. Qawwali music was only really known in South Asia until the late 20th century, but after world music artists began working elements of Qawwali into their work, things went global.
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