BBC - Radio 3 - Womad2005 - Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali Group

RIZWAN-MUAZZAM QAWWALI GROUP (PAKISTAN)

When Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan prematurely left this world in 1997, no-one would have thought that his two teenage nephews Rizwan and Muazzam could come close to filling the gaping void. A giant in more than one sense of the wordmusical giant, Nusrat's prodigious recorded output and transcendental live performances dominated Qawwali singing for decades, yet the two young men, now still only in their mid-20s, showed their ability to make music every bit as intense and compulsive as that of their uncle.

While they share Nusrat's inquisitive sense of adventure (witness their collaboration with the dubwise Temple Of Sound for 2001's joint album People's Colony No.1), the brothers' latest Real World offering, Day Of Colours, is a sure-footed return to the purity of their musical roots. It's an astonishing work. Rizwan and Muazzam's voices climb and swoop as if riding air currents, the harmonium seeks a similar undulating flight path while fingertips flutter like hummingbirds across the tablas.

At once sparse yet full, heavy yet floating, this is music dripping with harmony and humanity. The Islamic world has been in need of good press of late and this is a positive, peaceful message strongly delivered to the rest of the planet. Someone should lend George Bush a copy.

Nige Tassell

More information

Catch them on Sunday 8.30-9.30pm, Village Stage

Read other people's comments then

Tell us what you think:

rohit
they are the best i have ever heard, specially the compisitation of Manam Kha ky Sare.

Noby, San Francisco
Definately a promising venture.

ali smaka
i like it very much to listen this kind of music.Pakistan mother of world music.India to .I just like it ,what can i do ,this is bloody marvelous

Akhtar Sheikh, Mumbai-India
Fantastic

pradeep, mumbai , maharashtra
i want to listen this soong.

ali isa smaka kosovo
great they are the best .no comment this is marvelous

Kayt, Lancs
Bloody marvelous. My most moving moment at Reading 05

romie london
rizwan qawwal he is the best qawaali singer so far his tabla and the harmoium i want him to do a concert in london he will be the lights of khan saab nusrat fathe ali khan

Mohsin Abbas Choudhry
I am from pakistan. These guys were over In Toronto Lat year. I had a full conversation with Muazam Ali khan . Oh God after that he performed just for few of our friends in a private event. i closed my eyes and was listening them. I saw a New Nusrat Fateh in these brothers.

raja london
rizwan qawali is the best he is like is uncle nusrat fathe ali khan his tabla and harmounia is the best he will be number 1

dr abulharith
They are really great; yet they to mature in their inner spiritual experiences so to give more heat and depth to their performance.

Ash, Bradford
I saw them first a few years back and boy have they matured. They are now showing off there talent and there's more from them as they gain experience. Although I have yet to see them in a full scale concert. Great ensemble keep it up guys..!!

John Charles, Reading, Uk
These guys backed by the samba drummers from Singapore in the gala finale, was, in our eyes, THE highlight of the whole festival. Sufi Samba - there's a future in it!!

Sian Bahia, aged 8, Rochester
I really enjoyed the Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali group. Rizwan's hand actions were very expressive like he was speaking with his hands.I loved listening to the tabla and harmonium. I am learning the harmonium and my brother Josh is learning the tabla.

Ian, Reading
Was getting lost in a trance watching them. Can't believe anyone could have so much energy!