qawwali music
A form of Sufi devotional music from South Asia, featuring ecstatic group singing, rhythmic hand-clapping, and intensifying repetition intended to induce spiritual transcendence.
In Depth
Qawwali is the devotional music of the Sufi tradition in Pakistan and India, performed at shrines (dargahs) and spiritual gatherings (mehfils). The ensemble typically consists of a lead singer, one or more secondary vocalists, harmonium, tabla, and a chorus of hand-clapping singers. Performances follow a structure of gradual intensification — beginning slowly and building through repetition, improvisation, and accelerating tempo toward a state of spiritual ecstasy (wajd or hal). Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (1948–1997) was qawwali's greatest ambassador, bringing the tradition to global audiences through collaborations with Peter Gabriel, Eddie Vedder, and the Real World Records label. His extraordinary vocal range, power, and emotional intensity made him one of the most celebrated singers of the 20th century. His nephew Rahat Fateh Ali Khan continues the family tradition. Qawwali's ecstatic repetitions and building intensity have influenced Western electronic music, particularly through Nusrat's remixes, which became foundational texts of the world music fusion movement.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan could sustain a single high note for over a minute while maintaining full vocal power — Jeff Buckley called him "my Elvis" and considered him the greatest singer alive.