Sama’a: Qawwali Presentation by Nizami Bandhu

Qawwali Presentation by Nizami Bandhu

The art form of Sufi music is practised in different regions of the world through myriad genres. In the Indian subcontinent, it finds expression through vocal genres of ghazal, qawwali and various regional folk forms, especially from Rajasthan, Punjab and Sindh. Although performed mainly in dargahs (Sufi shrines) today, these genres have gained mainstream popularity by virtue of the mystic works composed by poets down the ages. The qawwali is regarded as the most accessible form leading to a spiritual crescendo through music.

Originally from the Sikandara gharana, U.P., the forefathers of the group Nizami Bandhu, moved to Delhi 600 to 700 years ago. Thereafter, they became a part of the fabled group, Qawwal Bachhe, which was believed to be led by the legendary Sufi poet-scholar, Amir Khusrau (1253-1325 AD), known for his works in praise of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia. Thus, the family of Chand Nizami, and his nephews, Shadab and Sohrab Faridi Nizami, have had a long association as traditional qawwals with the 700-year-old Nizamuddin dargah in Delhi. To this date, the family continues to reside within the precincts of the holy shrine and is a part of all the rituals and ceremonies associated with it.
Besides presenting the traditional repertoire of qawwalis at various prestigious venues around the world, the Nizami Bandhu has also rendered popular soundtracks for films, such as ‘Aaj Rang Hain’ from Bajrangi Bhaijan and ‘Kun Faya Kun’ from Rockstar. The lead singer, Chand Nizami, also writes nazms and ghazals in Urdu.

Nizami Bandhu will present dargahi qawwalis ascribed to Amir Khusrau as well as devotional works of other notable poets like Bulleh Shah and Meerabai.

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