Me rovan tenu yad kr | nusrat fateh Ali khan | qawali
Qawwali is a form of devotional music that originated in South Asia, particularly in the Sufi tradition of Islam. It is characterized by its energetic and passionate performances, featuring a group of musicians and vocalists led by a lead singer called a qawwal. The lyrics of qawwali songs are usually in Urdu, Persian, or Punjabi, and often revolve around themes of love, spirituality, and devotion to God. Qawwali is known for its repetitive and rhythmic patterns, accompanied by mesmerizing harmonium melodies, tabla beats, hand claps, and occasional use of other traditional instruments. The powerful and emotive vocals of the qawwali singers, with their improvisatory and energetic style, aim to induce a state of spiritual ecstasy in both the performers and the audience. Qawwali has gained worldwide recognition, not only for its musical brilliance but also for its ability to transcend religious and cultural boundaries, uniting listeners through its profound and uplifting spiritual experience.