Ancient Devotional Music with Tahir Qawwal
A Lifetime Devoted to Qawwali, Mysticism, and Musical Innovation
From his earliest years, Tahir Qawwal embarked on a profound journey into the realms of mysticism and music, setting the stage for a life devoted to artistic and spiritual exploration. At the young age of fifteen, Tahir left the comforts of home to live in the Himalayas, adopting the ascetic life of a dervish. Immersed in yogic practices and a ceaseless quest for enlightenment, he sought the divine through the sanctity of sound and pitch.
Upon reintegration into society, Tahir turned his focus towards the hallowed teachings of Sufism, spanning over a millennium. His pursuit of spiritual and musical mastery led him to rigorous formal training in Hindustani classical music, specialising in vocals and harmonium, as well as the deeply soul-stirring art form of Qawwali. Tahir's music takes listeners on an ethereal journey, one that traverses landscapes of soaring melodies and ecstatic rhythms, all the while preserving the integrity of songs composed centuries ago.
In 2001, Tahir founded Fanna-fi-Allah, the first Qawwali ensemble consisting principally of Western-born artists. With a mission to disseminate the wisdom of Sufi masters on a global scale, the ensemble has performed over 1,500 concerts across multiple continents, including the USA, UK, Africa, Europe, India, Australia, Canada, Indonesia, China, Russia, South America, UAE, and Pakistan.
Further breaking ground, Tahir and his wife, Amie Alexandra, launched Ilahi Sufi Qawwali in 2019— the world's first female Qawwali ensemble. They have earned international acclaim for their soulful renditions of classic qawwalies like "Man Kunto Maula" and "Haq Ali Ali," capturing the essence of this powerful genre while pushing its gender boundaries.
As the founder of the Qawwali conservation non-profit, Tabaruq Arts, Tahir produced an eight-episode award-winning documentary series titled "Qawwali - Music of the Mystics," contributing significantly to the preservation and dissemination of this vital art form.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Tahir has released more than 20 albums through his own record label, Tabaruq Records, solidifying his standing as a custodian of traditional Qawwali music and a pioneer in its contemporary evolution.
In summary, Tahir Qawwal is not merely a musician; he is a luminary in the realms of music and mysticism, seamlessly weaving the two to create a tapestry of sound that transcends time and borders. Through his artistic and spiritual endeavours, Tahir Qawwal continues to be an ambassador for the rich, complex, and profound world of Qawwali music, capturing the hearts and souls of listeners worldwide.
