Although famous throughout the world, its hub remains the Punjab province of Pakistan from where it gained entry into the mainstream commercial music industry and international fame.The roots of Qawwali can be traced back to 8th century Persia (today’s Iran and Afghanistan). Other famous Qawwali singers include Pakistan ’s Sabri Brothers. Qawwali music received international exposure through the work of the late Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, largely due to several releases on the Real World label, followed by live appearances at WOMAD festivals. Often listeners, and even artists themselves, are transported to a state of wajad, a trance-like state where they feel at one with God, generally considered to be the height of spiritual ecstasy in Sufism, and the ultimate goal of the practice.Originally performed mainly at Sufi shrines or dargahs throughout the subcontinent, it has also gained mainstream popularity. It’s a vibrant musical tradition that stretches back more than 700 years. The style is rare, though not entirely absent, in North and West Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Kashmir.
Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music popular in South Asia, particularly in areas with a historically strong Muslim presence, such as southern Pakistan, and parts of North India. Here is some basic information on this genre of poetry. A few months back I had done a little study on Qawwali from some sources. Readers are aware of my love for golden oldies and quite a few ones of my postings in this forum on this subject matter had generated quite a good response in the recent past.