ISLAMABAD: A late night qawwali featuring renowned musician Asif Ali Santoo Khan was held in the capital, in a fitting celebration at the end of Ramazan.

Qawwali is a form of devotional music indigenous to the subcontinent. It has received exposure through the work of the Sabri brothers, Bakhshi Salamat, Aziz Mian and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Qawwal Asif Ali traces his musical ancestry for over three centuries, where his great-grandfather, Mian Maula Baksh, was one of the most famous classical singers of the Indian subcontinent and his grandfather, Santoo Khan, was one of the first qawwals to perform in Lahore in 1947 after the creation of Pakistan.

He also has the distinction of being the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s only gandaband (official) apprentice/student.

The riveting performance began, as is traditional, with a Hamd, a Naat and a Manqabat Ali - Allah Hu, Allah Hu, Tu Kuja Man Kuja and Man Kunto Maula.

What followed were ghazals requested by the audience, including Tumhe Dilagi Bhool Jaani Paare Gi and Ye Jo Halka Halka Saroor Hai. The night’s performance ended with the dhamal, Lal Meri Pat Rakhiyo Bala Jhoole Laalan, which had much of the audience on their feet in respect for the Sufi song honouring Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.

Asif Ali Santoo Khan’s troupe included some western instruments, an innovation he explains in the context of the history of Qawwali when the tabla originated out of the dholki.

He said: “Innovation is essential. Our youth is coming back towards Qawwali, something I’ve worked towards. I studied with Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for nine years; I was his only gandaband apprentice/student. He modernised Qawwali, introduced it to a new audience and made it popular.

“In 2002, I toured America where I performed in many universities and many young people came to hear me. My first show was at Michigan University and there were hundreds of people in the audience. That gave me the realisation that there is interest in Qawwali amongst the youth.”

He added: “I thought that if we can promote Qawwali abroad then we must do so in Pakistan with and for young people. Today in Pakistan, we see that Qawwali is happening in most universities. I am very grateful to the Almighty who has fulfilled my mission. I incorporated western instruments to attract the youth but that does not change the essence of Qawwali. Qawwals are not solo singers, we praise God and His Prophet (PBUH) with our work.”

“After a slow start the hall received an influx of young and mature fans and their appreciation gave impetus to the qawwal, who mesmerised the audience with his rendition of some popular qawwalis. The tabla player was extremely accomplished and there was a lovely interplay between the qawwal and the tabla during the final dhamal,” said guest Samia Liaquat Ali.

Sadia Rajput said: “It was nice. The qawwal had an amazing voice and his raags were very enchanting.”

Zahid Latif Khan said: “The Qawwali event at Serena was good entertainment; an excellent cultural event organized by Aziz Bolani that I think surely deserves appreciation.”

“Asif Ali Santoo and his troupe lit up one of Ramazan’s last nights with their unique style of qawwali. Under Serena Hotel’s cultural diplomacy programme, this was a great nod to the holy month. The event started off with Sufi melodies where the qawwals showcased their impeccable control over raags, and once the audience was awestruck, that is when they offered a couple ghazals as well, which were very well enjoyed by everyone. To top it all off, the courtyard was lit up for the grand Sehri, as an ode to the upcoming celebration of Eid,” Atifa Sajjad said.

The Qawwali is closely linked to the spiritual and artistic life of northern India and Pakistan. Asif Ali Santoo Khan said: “Islamabad’s audience is a listening audience. They have exposure to the traditions of Qawwali and it was wonderful to see so many people come out in Ramazan. The audience here understands and relates to Qawwali. I have enjoyed performing here.”

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2019