JOIN USDivine Social Welfare Society, a non-governmental organisation, hosted ‘Nizami Bandhu’ for an evening of sufi music at Shri Satya Sai Auditorium on Lodhi Road last week.
The proceeds of the concert would be used for the welfare of people with AIDS, said a press release from the NGO. The NGO has also planned a series of nukkad natak’s (street plays) and rallies to spread awareness about AIDS.
At Friday’s concert, the sufi legends mesmerised fans with their powerful voices and cast a spell using the magic of qawwali. Chand Nizami also presented soulful poetry, earning huge applause from the audience. The evening’s performance began with Maula ke kaul and Ha se Hindu ban gaye, Ma se Mussalman baney aur jab Ha aur Ma mile to hum ban gaye.
Describing the beauty of qawwali to the audience, Chand Nizami said, “The word ‘qawwali’ comes from the Arabic word qual, meaning ‘poems that are full of praise to God’. We sing in the name of God and sufi saints, and by singing their names, we feel at peace.”
The audience was treated to compositions in Urdu, Farsi and Arabi. Of particular delight were Saanson ki khushboo, Khwaja mere Khwaja, Kun faya kun. The evening closed on a robust note with Dama dam mast kalandar, the highlight of which was the presentation of dhamaal by one of the accompanying musicians Nazim Nizami. His virtuosity on the tabla delighted everyone.