Qawwali by Hamza Akram &Brothers of Lahore

Hamza Akram Qawwal & Brothers, grandsons of the revered Munshi Raziuddin, have been acclaimed for their riveting interpretations of qawwali, the ecstatic improvisational Sufi vocal tradition. This award-winning ensemble represents the 26th generation of the seven centuries-old Qawwal Bachon ka Gharana of Delhi (India)founded by Saamat bin Ibrahim, the first qawwal of the subcontinent and principal student of mystic Amir Khusrau. The ensemble builds a state of ecstasy through rhythmic handclapping, drumming and powerful vocals (similar to the gospel in its call-response manner) and performs songs that range from 13th-century mystical Persian poems to more recent poems in Punjabi and Urdu. Hamza and his brothers, Taimoor and Abdul, have toured and performed in many venues and major music festivals of the world.