RIZWAN-MUAZZAM QAWWALI
Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff
Sat 16 Mar
Rizwan and Muzzam Ali Khan, nephews and tutees of qawwali legend Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, bring their immersive show to the RWCMD this month with an performance that seeks to transcend cultural and religious barriers, arguably at a time when the country needs it most. Qawwali is a form of devotional music popular in south Asia, particularly in areas with a historically strong Muslim presence. Listeners, and indeed the artists themselves, are reputed to feel transported to a trancelike state of spiritual ecstasy in which they feel at one with God.
Originally performed in shrines only, qawwali has found more international recognition thanks to performers such as Khan and the Sabri Brothers. However, its spiritual hub remains the Punjab province of Pakistan, from where it gained entry into the Western mainstream. Audiences can expect to fall under the hypnotic spell of this melodic, encompassing music that will prove to be a sonic experience unlike anything they have heard before, no matter what their religion or culture. The show, the only Welsh stop on Rizwan and Muzzam’s UK tour, includes half-price tickets for under-25s.
Tickets: £11-£22. Info: 029 2039 1391 / www.rwcmd.ac.uk
words Bethan Goodwin
