Qawwali

What it means

Qawwali is ecstatic Sufi singing from Pakistan and northern India. A group of singers performs religious poetry, mostly praise of God and the Prophet, and accompanies itself with harmonium, drums and rhythmic hand clapping. A lead singer is supported by a chorus that repeats refrains. The aim is to create a state of spiritual ecstasy through repetition, intensification and rhythm.

Musical use

The tradition is attributed to the poet and musician Amir Khusrau (1253–1325) and is closely linked with the Chishti order of Sufism. Qawwali is traditionally performed at shrines (dargah) and at religious festivals. The Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (1948–1997) made the music known worldwide and worked with Western musicians.

Qawwali should be distinguished from classical Indian music, which rests more on raga rules, and from ghazal singing, which is calmer and more lyrical.

Performance practice

When you listen to qawwali, give yourself over to the slow intensification: it arises through repetition and improvisation on small motifs. Listen to the interplay of lead singer, chorus and rhythm.