Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali

Nephews of the great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and tutored by the master singer himself, Rizwan and Muazzam perform hypnotising sacred Qawwali music with their ensemble of traditional instruments.

Seated on the floor, making them humble and focussed on God, the musicians build intoxicating swirls of ambient sounds, cut across with rhythmic handclaps and springing tablas. Singing songs of love to God and longing for spiritual enlightenment – their energy raw and enrapturing – the effect is hypnotic to all who witness it; whether a scholar of Sufi music or completely new to the form.

Considered by many to have been one of the greatest voices who ever lived, an influence on traditional musicians, electronic producers and rock stars alike, Nusrat’s nephews continue his pioneering approach to transcend cultural, language and religious barriers, bringing to the world the devotional and vibrant music of the Sufi mystics.

Contemporary music Contemporary Music World Music

This performance will begin promptly at the advertised start time and running time will be confirmed closer to the event.

As a guide, please note that events usually finish by 10.30pm at the latest.

Produced by the Barbican in association with Asian Arts Agency