Qawwali facts for kids

Qawwali (pronounced "kah-WAH-lee") is a special kind of music that comes from the Islamic Sufi tradition. It's very popular in countries like Pakistan and India. You'll often hear Qawwali performed at Sufi Shrines, which are like holy places. Over time, this music has become famous all around the world! Great singers, like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, are known for their amazing Qawwali performances. This musical style is thought to be about 700 years old and first became popular in the Punjab region of Pakistan.

What is Qawwali Music?

Qawwali is a type of devotional music. This means it's made to help people feel closer to God. It's part of Sufism, which is a spiritual part of Islam. Sufis believe in finding God through love, music, and dance. Qawwali songs often include poems that praise God, the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and Sufi saints.

The History of Qawwali

Qawwali music has a long history, going back about 700 years. It started in the 13th century in the Delhi Sultanate (a kingdom that existed in India). A famous Sufi saint and poet named Amir Khusrow is often given credit for creating Qawwali. He blended Persian, Arabic, and Indian musical styles to create this unique sound.

Where is Qawwali Performed?

Qawwali is mostly performed at Sufi shrines, especially during special gatherings called urs (celebrations of a saint's passing). These performances are often held in large halls or courtyards. People gather to listen, clap, and sometimes even dance as the music helps them feel a spiritual connection. Qawwali is also performed at concerts and festivals around the world.

How Qawwali is Performed

A Qawwali group is usually made up of eight or more musicians. The main singer is called the qawwal. There are also chorus singers who repeat lines, and musicians who play instruments.

Instruments Used

The main instruments in Qawwali are:

• Harmonium: This is a small organ-like instrument that provides the melody.
• Tabla: These are two drums that create the rhythm.
• Dholak: This is another type of drum, often used for a deeper beat.
• Clapping: The chorus singers often clap their hands to keep the rhythm.

The Structure of a Qawwali Performance

A Qawwali performance usually starts slowly and builds up. It can last for a long time, sometimes for hours! The singers repeat phrases and build energy. This helps the audience feel a deep connection to the music and its spiritual message. The goal is to create a state of wajd, which is a feeling of spiritual ecstasy or trance.

Famous Qawwali Singers

Many talented singers have performed Qawwali over the centuries. One of the most famous is Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan from Pakistan. He was known for his powerful voice and amazing ability to improvise. He helped make Qawwali famous all over the world, even performing with Western musicians. Other notable Qawwali singers include the Sabri Brothers and Aziz Mian.

Images for kids

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  Qawwali at Ajmer Sharif Dargah

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  The diwan of the Nawab Wazir of Oudh, Asaf-ud-dowlah, who sits smoking a hookah listening to musicians in Lucknow, ca. 1812.

See also

In Spanish: Qawwali para niños