Qawwali

Qawwali is a form of Sufi Islamic devotional singing originating in South Asia. Originally performed at Sufi shrines throughout the Indian subcontinent, it is famous throughout Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan and has also gained mainstream popularity and an international audience as of the late 20th century. While hereditary performers continue to perform Qawwali music in traditional and devotional contexts, Qawwali has received international exposure through the work of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Aziz Mian and Sabri Brothers largely due to several releases on the Real World label, followed by live appearances at WOMAD festivals. Other famous Qawwali singers include Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad duo, Abdullah Manzoor Niazi, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Badar Miandad, Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali Group, Qutbi Brothers, the late Amjad Sabri, Qawwal Bahauddin Qutbuddin, Najm Saif and Brothers, Aziz Naza, among others.