what about Cat Stevens? (As was.) A different Islamic item perhaps..

WOMAD FESTIVAL UPDATE - NEW ARTISTS CONFIRMED
BOMBA with DERUB (Australia/Ethiopia); BUKKY LEO & BLACK EGYPT (Nigeria); DA LATA; DJAAKA (Mozambique); DJELIMADY TOUNKARA (Mali); EMMANUEL JAL (Sudan); GUO YUE (China); KONONO NO1 (Congo); LAURA VEIRS (USA); ORANGE BLOSSOM (Algeria/Mexico/France); PEDRO LUIS FERRER; TITI ROBIN (France) and YERBA BUENA (USA) have just been added to this year’s WOMAD festival line-up.

Farid Ayaz Qawwal and Brothers perform the ecstatic devotional music of the Sufis.

Farid Ayaz Qawwal and Brothers perform the ecstatic devotional music of the Sufis. The ensemble has gained recognition for both the popular traditional form of qawwali and the more introspective ancient classical qawwali that is seldom heard today.18/jun/2006 london, QEH

https://www.rfh.org.uk/main/events/134661.html
http://www.qawwal.com
haydar ayaz

www.alimohammedtaji.com
i am akhter ali
form pakistan
qawwal ali mohammed taji

www.alimohammedtaji.com
i am qawwal

Whathappened to Baba Maal?

www.qawwalniazi.com
qawwalniazi@yahoo.com
mehboob ahmed says
Manzoor Ahmed Khan Niazi Qawwal, renowned and famous name in Sufiana and Traditional Style of Qawali, belongs to a family of musicians whose history starts from the advent of Islam and arrival of muslim sufi saints in the sub-continent.

When Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti (Khawaja Gareeb Nawaz) settled in Ajmer and served his entire life to propagate Islam, apart from the others, his beloved mureeds and Sama’s Khwa’n, Mian Nigahi and Mian Dargahi were also accompanied him.

Later, with the intention to spread teachings of Islam in the entire sub-continent, on instructions of Hazrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Aulia (Mehboob-e-Elahi), Hazrat Amer Khusrou modified the Sama’a - traditional from of Zikr-e-Elahi - and named it Qawali He arranged a group of his tewelve youngs pupils and imparted the art of Qawali to them. He designated Mian Sa’mat, decendend of Mian Nigahi and Mian Dargahi and also mureed of Mehboob-e-Elahi, as the leader of this elite group Later on this group become famous as Qawal Bachchay afterwards Qawal Bachcha Gharana of Delhi or Delhi Gharana.

This family claimed further fame through Al-Haj Mir Qutub Buksh Who was the royal tutor and court musician of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last mughal emperor. Khan Sahib was conferred the titles of Tanrus Khan and Aitamad-ul-Mulk from the Royal Court.
Manzoor Niazi is the grandson of Khan Sahib. He was born in Delhi (India) in 1922 and took his initial training in music from his uncle Haji Suleman Khan.

Manzoor Niazi began giving performances, publicly as well as at shrines of Sufi saints all over the sub-continent, from the very tender age of eight years and within no more than twelve years he became popular in the entire Indian Peninsula. His fame spreaded in those days when the word of mouth was the only available media for propagation of any event or news.
In 1937, at the programme being arranged by Pakistan Association, Bombay Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah Decorated him as Bulbul-e-Deccan.

Being the descendent of Tanrus Khan he was attached with the Court of Nizam of Hyderabd which he continued till 1954.

In 1964, when the first test transmission of PTV went on-air, Manzoor Niazi was given the honour to perform live, immediately after the President of Pakistan’s inaugural speech. Later on, when PTV was formaly established, he was again given the honour to perform from al the centers of PTV including Dhaka.

In 1965, he was invited to perform at President House in a function which was attended by MNAs, top ranking dignitaries and eminent personalities.

He has the honour of being the first Pakistan Qawal who went abroad to propagate Islam and its traditions and exhibited his Qawali there.

The year 1970 saw him visiting Iran,Iraz,Afghanistan, Kuwait, Eden and Saudi Arabia where he once again proved his command over the art of Qawali and acclaimed admiration from the elite and the general public.

There prevails a prohibition on music in Islam and Saudi Arabia, being the custodian of the Holiest Places of Islam-Khana e Ka’aba, Masjid-e-Nabawi and the birth place of prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him), is a contry where performance of any sort of music is strictly prohibited. During his trip to Saudi Arabia, Manzoor Niazi had a legthy debate with the Imam of Masjid-e-Nabawi and by giving concrete Islamic historical evidences he proved and convinced him that Qawali is one kind of music which is not forbidden in Islam for the first time in the history of Saudi Arabia, A musician was allowed to perform live in Saudi Arabia and the biggest of al hounours which Manzoor Niazi holds is that he performed live right in front of Masjid-e-Nabawi with all his musical instruments and the audience included the Members of Royal family, high government officials, dignitaries, press reporters and a large number of Saudi, Pakistani and Indian people. This event was being given major coverage by all the leading newspapers in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and all other muslim countries. Furthermore, during the same tour, he also presented Qawali in front of King of Iran which was recorded by Madina Televiision as well.

In 1974, Manzoor Niazi exhibited the Sufiana kalaams of Hazrat Amir Khusrou during his 7th centennial anniversary which was jointly organised by Pakistan, India, Iran and Central Asian States (then USSR). The agenda of the anniversary celebrations included a detailed coverage of every aspect of the life and impact of this gigantic saint on the culture and music of the Sub-continent.

Manzoor Niazi and his family has been continuously and regularly attached with the sufi order since last 7 centuries. The tombs of Mian Nigahi and Mian Dargahi adjacent to the shrine of Khawaja Ghareeb Nawaz. And Nigahi Dargahi Masjid at Dargah Bazar, Ajmer are examples of their spiritual affiliation. Furthermore, apart from their connection this family has been awarded with permanent rooms adjacent to the shrines of Khawaja Ghareeb Nawaz, Mehboob-e-Elahi and Sabir Pak in Ajmer, Delhi and Kalyar, for their regular services and continuous attachment with the shrines of these Sufi saints. Furthermore, in recognition of continuous connection of his family with the Sufi order of Mehboob-e-Elahi, he had been awarded a certificate of affiliation in 1981 by the decendants of Mehboob-e-Elahi.

Regards,

mehboob ahmed

ALI MUHAMMAD TAJI is well known and International Qawal. He was born at Karachi in the year
1954. His father Ustad Fateh Muhammad Khan Sahab, belongs to Jai Pur Kishan
Garh Duriyat Family. His Grand Father name is Ustad Mehtab Khan, who was the
Great Singer at the Maharaj’s Court. His Great Grand Fathers namely Ustad
Rajab Ali Khan, Ustad Dasteyab Khan and Ustad Nazar Muhammad Khan Sahab
were also the Great Court Singers.

Ustad Ajpal Khan Sahab, Ustad Willayat Khan Sahab, Ustad Bob Khan Sahab, Ustad Badi-uz-
zaman Khan Sahab and Ustad Shafique-uz-zaman were very popular singers at their times and
all belongs to the Maternal Family of Ali Muhammad Taji.Ustad Fateh Muhammad Khan Sahab
father of Ali Muhammad Taji, was a great Singer at Maharaj’s Court. His very popular songs like,
MOOREY SAEEYA UTAR GAEEY PAR, WO CHALEY HAIN JHATAK KEY DAAMAN, NADEEYAN DEERAY
BHOREE HAIN etc. He came to Karachi in the year 1947.

Ali Muhammad Taji in the age of 7, studied the regular education of Classical Music. He also
learned the education of Classical Music from the great singers of that time,
namely, Khan Sahab Wahid Hussain, Khan Sahab Habibuddin, Khan Sahab
Sarwar Khan, Khan Sahab Bob Khan and Khan Sahab Manzoor Khan Sahab,
under their supervision, he studied the best education of classical music.Ali
Muhammad Taji Qawal having the great name in the Art of Qawali and enlighten
the name of his father Mr. Fateh Muhammad Khan Sahab.

He toured many countries, like Dubai , Sharjah , Kuwait , Egypt , Iran , Germany , France ,
England , Norway , Denmark , Copenhagen , Australia , Canada , South Africa , India , Mauritius
etc. and presented his Art of Qawali. He is not only possessed the great name in Art of Qawali
and Ghazals singings in Pakistan nevertheless he is well known in other countries as well and
also received a lot of rewards and awards. His Music Albums are also very popular in the world.

His first trip to South Africa in the year 1974 was very successful and then he traveled to London ,
England in 1980, that tour was also very triumphant. Afterward in the year 1983, he toured to
India . The people of India appreciated his talent and produced a lot of Music Albums with him,
which were very successful. Some of his songs were used in the Indian movies as well.Ali
Muhammad Taji, in his Paternal Family (Dadeyal) and Maternal Family (Naneyal) well known
as “KHAS QAWAL BACHCHA” because both the families are very renowned in Classical Music.
In which Family of Khan Sahab Ajpal Khan Sahab is recognized as “QAWAL BACHCHA”. The Family
of Sikendarabad, Family of Jai Pur Kishan Garh is also known as “QAWAL BACHCHA”. They all are
related to the footstep of Shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Ulleya.

Bachchu Khan and Muradoon Khan are sons of Maternal Family (Naneeyal) of Ali Muhammad Taji,
also known as “Qawal Bachcha”, and are also related to the Shrine of Hazrat
Nizamuddin Ulleya. This pseudonym was given by Hazrat Ameer Khusro and this is
their biggest fortuity. Furthermore names are also related to the Shrine of Hazrat
Nizamuddin Ulleya viz. Jai Pur Kishan Garh’s Fateh Mohammed, Nazir Mohammed,
Wazir Mohammed and Abdul Karim Khan Sahab. There are also well known and well
recognized singers of “Qawal Bachcha”.Ali Mohammed Taji is Maternal Grand Son of
Murad Khan Sahab and are known as “KHAS QAWAL BACHCHA” in his Paternal
Family (Dadeyal) and Maternal Family (Naneyal).

SAQIB ALI TAJI, AASIM ALI TAJI and AHSAN ALI TAJI are three sons of Ali Mohammed Taji,
who under the great supervision and as being student of Ali Mohammed Taji hold the unique
names in the Art of Qawali and singing. Their studied Semi Classical Education from Javed
Hussain. Because their father belongs to the Qawal Bachcha Family, therefore, inheritably there
possessed the same unique style of singing as their father possessed. There are learning Ghazal
and Qawali according to the rules and regulations from their father Ali Mohammed Taji. By the
way of this, their enlighten the names of his father, their ancestors and Country.

web. www.alimohammedtaji.com
email. ahsanalitajiqawal@gmail.com

sufi qawwal ali taji

The subcontinent has produced many renounce Musical Families. Which recognized throughout the world? Among these families a well reputed family belongs to Khurja District BulandSheher U.P India. The Khurja Noharbani gharana commence by Mohd Baksh Khan Sahab and others, like Ellahi Baksh Khan sahab Ghulam Baksh Khan Sahab Zahoor Baksh Khan Sahab and his son Ustad Altaf Hussain Khan Sahab (Padam Bhoshan).After Ustad Altaf Hussain Khan Sahab his two sons Ustad Wahid Hussain and Ustad Mumtaz Ahmed Khan sahab came in the scenario and rendered their contribution to the classical Music. This Gharana sings perfectly all twelve categories of Classical music. Like DHURPAD, SADHRA, HOORI, TIRVAT, CHATRANG, TARANA, TAPPA, KHAYAL, CHHIND, PARBAND, SARGAM, BAMANAY SARGAM.Ustad Wahid Hussain Khan and Ustad Mumtaz Hussain Khan Sahab sons Javed Hussain Khan Sahab and Taufiq Ahmed Khan sings traditionally and qawwali as well.As the name of “Javed Taufiq Niazi Qawwal”.The Fore-fathers of Javed Taufiq Niazi Khan Sahab Taught the Raja Baran who was the ruler of BulandSheher.MahaRaja Kirtia Anand Singh has awarded to Ustad Altaf Hussain Khan Sahab as”Zehgham-E-Mausiqi”.Ustad Wahid Hussain Khan Sahab and his younger brother survived well in This Tradition and also taught so many celebrities of their time and this tradition continued to their sons Ustad Javed Hussain Khan Ustad Ghulam Khusro Ustad Taufiq Khan Sahab.The famous qawwal of this era Moin Niazi (Pride of Performance) Nasir Ali Khan Anwar Hussain and Shakeel Khusro has trained by Ustad Wahid Hussain Khan.The Journey of Khurja Gharana is still surviving and we hope that the family of this Gharana will preserve carefully his heritage.
Ustad Wahid Hussain Khan’s title Wahid Rung and Fakhr-e- ahang-e-Khusravi from the Shrine of Sufi AMBER ALI SHAH WARSI.Wahid Hussain khan Sahab’s sons Ustad Ghulam Khusro Khan Sahab Arshad Hussain and Rashid Hussain sings classical music and performed through out the country and abroad as well.In this era of classical music Ustad Ghulam Khusro Khan and Ustad Javed Hussain Khan known as a famous classical music teacher and have so many pupils.
Ustad Mumtaz Hussain khan’s eldest son Ustad Taufiq Ahmed Khan Sahab got his musical traning from his father and his Uncle Ustad Wahid Hussain Khan Sahab.Taufiq Khan is a nice harmonium player, a sensible music composer and a soft ghazal and geet singer.In edition to Taufiq Khan sings qawwali.His favourite Raga’s Bheron pooria, Dhanna Sari, Maal Kous, Chander Kaus, kausi Bahar Basant Shahana qaul Qalbana Naqsh-gul-e-bava and Rung.Taufiq khan has so many pupil in sub-continent and as well as in europe.He Sings in many languages “urdu, Poorbi, Punjabi, Sindhi, and especially Persian.Taufiq Khan brought forward the art of his fore-fathers and has been continued.
Haji Altaf Hussain Khan Sahab and his sons Ustad Wahid Hussain khan and Ustad Mumtaz Hussain khan proved themselves as a legend and this Gharana will be proud of them.