Chand Ali Khan Qawwal & Party

The World's Music at Oxford welcomes the new year with the next generation of the Sufi devotional qawwali tradition!

Qawwali is a devotional art of Sufi Muslims in India and Pakistan, a musical poetry that speaks of deep love and longing for God, and the ecstasy and intoxication to be found in his blessing. Performed by a lead qawwal and chorus, and accompanied by harmonium and tabla, the power of qawwali is such that its practitioners and audience often become gripped by divine trance. It’s a tradition that stretches back to the 13th century, which has found a passionate international audience in the 20th century through the art of great performers such as Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and the Sabri Brothers.

Born in Pakistan and now based in the UK, Chand Ali Khan has become recognised as one of the leading lights of qawwali in Europe. Having been initiated and trained under the Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Memorial Academy, Chand made his first public performance at the age of 13 and has since been blessed with the tutelage of Ustad Iqbal Hassan Khan and Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. His performances are fiery, full of raw emotion and true passion, inspiring audiences across the world.

Qawwali is one of the world’s most touching musical and spiritual traditions, capable of moving audiences beyond any boundaries of language or religious belief. This is sure to be a very special concert. We are thrilled that Chand Ali Khan Qawwal and Party will bring their extraordinary performance to the World’s Music at Oxford!

Doors will open at 6:30pm and the performance will start at 7pm.