A Night of Qawwali
Saturday, 2nd May 2026
Whether you’re a qawwali afficionado or this is your first ever taste of this extraordinary uplifting South Asian genre of vocal music, do not miss this incredibly special evening, organised in collaboration with SAMA Arts Network.
The Warsi Brothers are widely regarded as among the finest living custodians of traditional qawwali in the subcontinent. Trained under their grandfather Padma Shri Aziz Ahmad Khan Warsi, they represent the classical rigour and devotional depth of the Delhi Gharana. Based in Hyderabad, their family has long served as court musicians for the erstwhile Nizam.
Honoured at the prestigious Aga Khan Music Awards 2025, the jury recognised the brothers for their “energetic preservation and onward transmission of the spiritual and musical legacy of Amir Khusrau to multigenerational audiences at the highest level of musical excellence.”
More Information
“Qawwali is a centuries-old devotional art form that blends poetry, music and spiritual expression into a powerful collective experience. Rooted in the Sufi traditions of the Indian subcontinent, it uses rhythmic clapping, soaring vocals and repetitive melodic patterns to evoke a state of wajd, a heightened spiritual ecstasy.“ – Times of India 5 Dec 2025
The qawwals traditionally perform at shrines (dargahs) as it serves as both worship and storytelling, carrying verses of saints, poets and mystics. Its call-and-response structure, harmonium-led arrangements and richly layered improvisations demand rigorous training, yet its appeal lies in its emotional accessibility. Over time, qawwali has travelled from shrines to global stages, retaining its devotional core while adapting to contemporary audiences.
The Warsis come from the legendary Qawaal Bachhey lineage. This highly regarded musical family traces its roots to the original ensemble trained by the poet-musician Amir Khusrau, who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries and is widely seen as the founder of qawwali. The Warsi brothers continue to honour this tradition as they faithfully render Hazrat Amir Khusrau’s classical repertoire. Their work keeps the centuries-old spiritual and musical heritage alive for new audiences in India and around the world.
QAWWALS WARSI BROTHERS:
Naseer Ahmed Khan Warsi – Lead singer/ harmonium
Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi – Lead singer/ harmonium
Aziz Ahmed Khan Warsi – Chorus singer
Murtaza Ahmed Khan Warsi – Chorus singer
Muhtesham Ahmed Khan Warsi – Tabla
Syed Habib – Dholak
Sami Ahmed Khan Warsi – chorus singer
Abdul Bari – chorus singer