Qawwal Shah Jee: Sufi spiritual sounds

THE supremely talented Najmud­din/Saifuddin Qawwal group have performed all over the world and carried forward the legacy of their late great legendary father Ustad Bahauddin Khan Qawwal.

The fabulous five brothers can trace the lineage to musicians who helped found the qawwali genre in the 13th century. Eastern Eye got one of the brothers, Qawwal Shah Jee, to select spiritual music by the group and their late father he loves...

Bharo Ghee Ke Diye by Ustad Bahauddin Khan: This is naat shareef, which means in the prayer of the prophet (PBUH). This particular version by my father is a traditional rendition as opposed to the modern faster versions of the same composition and that is why I love it. It is simple, yet full of so much joy.

Guftam key Roshan Az Qamar by Ustad Bahauddin Khan: I love this version of the classic composition rendered by my fa­ther because it has a very unique structure. It is like a question and answer. Khusrow gave us a gift centuries ago and it remains with us still.

Mujhe Hosh Nahin by Ustad Bahauddin Khan: This wonderful composition just has beautiful lyrics written by the legendary, Hazrat Jigar Moradabadi. The great Ustad brought it to life so wonderfully well, especially live in front of an audience.

Man Lago Yaar by Ustad Bahauddin Khan: This composition is an illustration that great writing can stand the test of time. This was written centuries ago by Kabeer, but still has so much power today. This version by my father will be appreciated by genera­tions to come.

Aal e Nabi by Ustad Bahauddin Khan: Before this was released, these beautiful lyrics were only available in books and manuscripts. This great composition by Amir Khusrow Dehlavi, who is the founding father of qawwali, was recited in the very beginning in the presence of king Alauddin Khilji.

Tum Sang Mohan by Ustad Bahauddin Khan: This wonderful Sufi composition is basically a bhajan. It is a beautifully-written piece and I am proud my great father rendered it so well.

An-nal Isque by Najmuddin Saifuddin group: As a group, we like to spread a message of positivity through the compositions we perform. This particular one is a favourite because it has a message of love for all mankind.

Arzoo Daaram by Najmuddin Saifuddin group: I am sure eve­ryone has heard of the great Persian poet Jalal ad-Din Muham­mad Rumi, whose writing from the 13th century transcended time. There is such a nice message contained within this compo­sition, which we have delivered for everyone in our humble way.

Chamane Ke Ta Qayamat by Najmuddin Saifuddin group: This is another great kalaam of the great Rumi, who left wonderful words for generations of musicians who followed to build unfor­gettable compositions around, including our rendition.

Meri Naiya Laga Do Par by Najmuddin Saifuddin group: A re­quest to Maula Ali, this is a timeless composition that transcends time and one that will live forever. I always enjoy performing this song with my wonderfully -talented brothers.