Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwals to bring special performance to Bristol this summer

Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwals to bring special performance to Bristol this summer

Posted on: 19 Jul 2022

A night of potent, enchanting, and hypnotic performance arrives in BS1 this month.

 

Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwals make their highly anticipated return to UK stages with a string of shows across the country, arriving at St George's Bristol on Wednesday 27 July.

 

Presented by Bristol-based Asian Arts Agency, the two brothers Rizwan-Muazzam will arrive with their distinct and exhilarating brand of Qawwali music - a traditional Sufi style with a lineage stretching back centuries - famous for its mesmeric qualities. 

 

This is not an opportunity to be missed. Find all the information you need and tickets via Asian Arts Agency's website.

 

 

First appearing in what is now India and Pakistan in the 13th century, Qawwali performances typically involve eight or nine vocalists, with one leader and their support engaging in totally engrossing and sometimes improvised exchanges.

 

Brothers Rizwan and Muazzam are the nephews of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a master craftsman widely credited for bringing global attention to Qawwali music - a highly spiritual style designed to bring an audience to a state of religious ecstasy, no matter their personal faith.

 

Ali Khan blazed a trail to the mainstream through six album releases, an appearance on Peter Gabriel's 'The Last Temptation of Christ' soundtrack in 1988, and multiple performances at Womad Festival.

 

Since their uncle's death, Rizwan-Muazzam have collected and carried the baton. First performing together in the 1990s, their live shows have earned them a devoted band of acolytes and worldwide acclaim.

 

 

Rizwan-Muazzam have performed at many prestigious events and venues including Barbican London, Womad (UK), Royal Opera House, Edinburgh Mela, Jaipur Festival – India, Grand Performances – Los Angeles and Printemps des Arts – Monte-Carlo.

 

Their upcoming string of UK dates comes courtesy of Asian Arts Agency - an arts development agency based that develops, promotes, and supports international contemporary and traditional South Asian music and arts.

 

Jaswinder Singh, Director of Asian Arts Agency, said in a statement: “We are so excited to present Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwals to the UK on our third national tour together. Their energy and musical flair are captivating to watch.

 

"Experiencing the deep tradition of Qawwali music amongst the nephews of the great Qawwali legend Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is a unique experience. This tour had been cancelled in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic and we are delighted to be presenting Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwals this year.” 

 

All information about this event and ticket links can be found on the Agency's website.

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Article by:

George Boyle

 

 

George is a journalism graduate and writer passionate about music and culture. Get in touch via email at george@365bristol.com