ISLAMABAD, Sept 15: Blessed with an incredible voice range and a unique performance style, Imran Aziz qawwal’s performance dripped with harmony and humility. The live performance was part of a cultural activity for the American staff at the US embassy.

Nestled in a lounge in US Ambassador Cameron Munter’s residence, a select audience who had the privilege to hear Imran Aziz live simply did not want to go back home Wednesday night.

Seated in chairs, resting against gao takias (cushions), sitting on the steps and standing around, the audience only inched closer to the stage.

Imran Aziz presented a lively and energetic kind of spiritual music that drew heavily upon the emotions of the performer and his engagement with the audience.

Whether it was Amir Khusro’s Man kun to Maula, or Allah Hi Janay Kon Bashar Hai, the audience from the beginning found themselves engrossed in the performances and emotionally and spiritually lost in it.

There were many rounds of wah wahs after every verse. Aziz qawwal’s voice was chiseled to the point where his range was greater than the keys of his harmonium and beats of the tablas.

The rhythmic calculations of the tabla players were almost magical. The sounds climbed and danced. And the music contained emotions and sounds that music lovers could easily relate to and enjoy.

Despite his shattering success, Imran Aziz remained respectful of his seniors who had performed with his father Aziz Mian qawwal and kind to his juniors throughout the performances introducing them to their listeners.

The audience’s reaction to the performance was one of pleasant disbelieves. “Just seeing Imran Aziz was surreal,” said a young listener in the crowd.

The audience was ecstatic when Imraz Aziz belted out Chaap Tilak and Teri Soorat, Sufi compositions that aroused the soul. Exotic and familiar, Imran Aziz’s music breathed fresh life into the traditional form while simultaneously enhancing qawwali’s essential and unconquerable spirit.

He obliged his listeners by singing some requests such as Shahbaz Qalander and Rang.

The sky grew darker outside as the performance got longer than planned.

Delighted, the US ambassador got up to shake hands with all the performers for a mesmerising night.