All over South Asia and in the Indian subcontinent, commercialism and globalisation co-exist with tradition and heritage. In India, a number of musicians and performers have adopted conventional approaches to draw audiences of all age groups to their shows. One example is Qawwali, the devotional Sufi music that still flourishes in large parts of Pakistan and India, especially Delhi and Hyderabad.
While the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was largely responsible for taking qawwali to the international stage and drawing record labels to the form, stalwarts like Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi and Naseer Ahmed Khan Warsi are popular within the country. These qawwals from Hyderabad belong to the Delhi Gharana. Trained in the form by their father, the late Ustad Zaheer Ahmed Khan Warsi and grandfather Padmashri Aziz Ahmed Khan Warsi, they are known for their measured tones and taals. Their rendition of ragas follows a signature style and together they have a firm foothold in the music industry as radio and television artists. The Warsi brothers specialise in traditional sufiyana qawwali, ghazals, thumris and classical bandish.
The concert, in support of India Foundation for the Arts, is an opportunity to promote ancient art forms and to look forward to a unique Warsi performance.
Bottomline: Ancient artistry; contemporary method.
Warsi Brothers in Concert
Where:Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Bangalore
When:March 8 @ 7.30 pm
