Qawwali

Description

Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music characterized by its powerful vocal performances, rhythmic clapping, and the use of harmonium and tabla. It often features a lead singer and a chorus, creating a call-and-response dynamic that builds in intensity.

History

Qawwali has its roots in the 13th century in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the regions that are now Pakistan and India. It evolved from the spiritual practices of Sufism, a mystical form of Islam, and was popularized in the 20th century by artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who brought it to international audiences.