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Ilahi Sufi Qawwali sing Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's epic kalam Haq Ali Ali. It’s hard to find the words to express how proud and awestruck I am of these women. After two full years of hardcore dedication and commitment, I can now listen to Ilahi and genuinely say that women are now carrying the classical Sufi Qawwali tradition for the first time in known history. Not just the poetry or the music, but that true Qawwali spirit, which 25 years ago moved me to devote my life to it. The spirit of unity, brave creativity, passion, reverence, devotion and community, expressed in astounding harmony. A harmony that, in my opinion, is rare to feel between two people - let alone 13 of such diversity! This piece Haq Ali Ali, created by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, has always touched me profoundly; such a rich composition that travels through many chapters poetically as well as musically. To have heard it and been taught it by some of the greatest Qawwals of Pakistan, it feels deeply purposeful to pass it on to these devoted students. As Hazrat Ali (ra) said “ The duty that comes with knowledge is to share it “ Despite the obvious criticism I’ve received in regards to teaching Qawwali to women, I’ve sincerely wanted to know what doaba Qawwali would sound like sung by women, now I’m happy to say it sounds awesome! That said, we are barely touching the surface of this immense tradition… And now that international touring is again possible, I prepare to lead Fanna-Fi-Allah once again with Qawwali tours throughout Europe, America, Australia and India.S o tell me, would you like ilahi to continue? Is the Qawwali loving world truly ready for this? Huge gratitude for all who stood behind us in this bold project and to all the women who are brave enough to live it! I’m truly honoured to be your teacher here at the Samā School of Music. - Tahir Qawwal Download the audio track here to support the artists: Or listen for free on Spotify: ▶YOUTUBE CHANNEL◀ ▶ONLINE MUSIC SCHOOL◀ ▶QAWWALI DOCUMENTARY SERIES◀
