'Dillagi' UK tour review: British qawwali group delivers a performance filled with iconic hits

LIKE an athlete, who puts in maximum effort and can barely walk after a race, Chand Ali Khan gave it his all in a high-intensity performance that lasted more than two hours without a break.

The young British singer, backed by an equally hardworking group, enthralled a sell-out audience at the Stratford East theatre in London, as part of their Dillagi UK tour.

After opening the show with the spiritually rich Tum Ik Gorakh Dhanda Ho and Shams-ud-Duha Badr-udDuja, the group glided into more familiar classics made famous by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. They put their own spin on songs such as Yeh Jo Halka Halka Saroor, Kinna Sona, Kali Kali Zulfon Ke Phande Na, Tumhein Dillagi Bhool Jani Paray Gi and Mast Qalandar. The great selection of familiar songs enabled the group to make a strong connection with the audience. It was evident how much the group respected the qawwali tradition and the late great legend, Nusrat.

Those top tracks, powered by the passion-filled lead vocals, were accompanied by great musicianship by the harmonium players and in particular, the fantastic percussionist. The solid supporting vocals added an extra layer to the show.

Chand Ali Khan, backed up brilliantly by Abid Ali, Imran Imdad Hussain, Shahzaib Hassan, Suleman Rasheed, Rohet Singh, Amrit Singh, Misam Faiz and Dhanyal Butt, generated energy that reverberated throughout the packed theatre.

They had the audience singing along, clapping, cheering and giving them a well-deserved standing ovation.

When the audience asked for one more song, the Midlandsbased group complied and rounded off a spectacular show.

The young group were like a breath of fresh air, showcasing the abundance of quality talent in the UK that is revitalising an ancient art form.