Music of the Mystics : An evening of Qawwali

An evening of ecstatic performance by the renowned group, Qaisar Mahmood Qawwal and party.

Never before performed in Hull, this special evening welcomes the renowned Qaisar Mahmood Qawwal and party. The event begins with a short talk on the art form, followed by a two-hour performance that moves through Qawwali, renditions of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s works, sufi and folk music, and finally the pulse of Bollywood fusion. A first for the city—and an evening not to miss.

Qawwali is a form of devotional music from South Asia, originating in the 13th century as a way to express Sufi mysticism and draw closer to God. The word is derived from the Arabic word for "utterance" and refers to the singing of religious poetry and the praises of God, often performed in a rhythmic, trance-like style at gatherings called mehfils. Qawwali is performed by a group of musicians, known as Qawwals, who use instruments like the harmonium and tabla to create a hypnotic and emotionally powerful experience. Qawwali emerged in the 13th century in India and Pakistan as a way to stimulate religious devotion and achieve spiritual ecstasy among Sufis. It is performed by a lead singer accompanied by a chorus, percussionists who use handclapping and instruments like the dholak (drum), and the harmonium(organ-like instrument). Performances are often held at Sufi shrines and are intended to bring the audience into a state of spiritual awakening, sometimes causing listeners to move in ecstatic dance. The most famous internationally acclaimed Qawwal, bringing the form to audiences around the globe being Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

6:30pm - arrivals

6:45pm - short talk on the art form

7-9pm - two-hour Qawwali performance