Kanhaiya Yaad Hai & Aaj Tona Mein Aisa Banaoongi

Farid Ayaz & Abu Muhammad - "Kanhaiya Yaad Hai Kuchh Bhi Hamari"

I’m excited to share this beautiful rendition of a timeless Bhajan.

Written by Nawab Hilm of Hyderabad Deccan, it takes us back to a time when communities of different faiths lived together in harmony, not just with tolerance, but with a deep appreciation of each other’s values, festivals, and traditions. 

"Kanhaiya" refers to Lord Krishna, the beloved deity of Vrindavan, and in this song, a Muslim poet lovingly expresses devotion to a Hindu god. The tenderness of the lyrics and the devotion conveyed through Ayaz’s soulful voice are deeply moving. 🕊️

This rendition begins with Kanhaiya Yaad Hai and is soon interspersed with wonderful girah-bandi. Firstly :
"Ghalat ho aap ka vaada kabhi, khuda na karay,
 Magar huzoor ko aadat hai bhool jaanay ki..."**
Bolo, yaad hai kuchh bhi humaari...* 

 It’s a reminder of the cross-faith affection that transcends borders. The performance continues to unfold in a magnificent interplay of girah-bandi that will transport you to another realm, especially when Ayaz sings:

 
"Haaye haaye tona bhi kar ke main haari Kanhaiya"** and seamlessly transitions into the exquisite bandish: 

"Aaj tona main banaungi..." 

It's pure magic. The music, the imagery, and the emotion come together in perfect harmony to create something truly special. Those of us who were present for the performance were witness to a mood that was truly unique—one of devotion, warmth, and shared reverence. I can't help but think that Munshi Raziuddin must be smiling down at them lovingly from heaven, as the beauty of the moment echoes his spirit. 

Watch and let the beauty of this collaboration take you on a journey through time, faith, and devotion. 🙏

#FaridAyaz #AbuMuhammad #KanhaiyaYaadHai #MusicForTheSoul #Bhajan #CrossFaithHarmony #SpiritualMusic #Devotion #ClassicalMusic #Mathura #UP #DreamJourney #Karachi #MunshiRaziuddin

Main Maili Tan Maila Mera - Farid Ayaz & Abu Muhammad Qawwal

It's fascinating how modern communication has made the world feel so much smaller. A few years ago, while I was visiting Dubai, I received a message from my dear friend Adnan in Vancouver. Knowing my passion for qawwali, he informed me that Farid Ayaz and Abu Muhammad were performing in the UAE. Thrilled, I reached out to Abu Bhai, who had plans for the evening but kindly contacted the host, who graciously invited me to attend.

During the break, I had the opportunity to speak with Farid Ayaz about a beautiful naat I had heard only once before, performed by the Nizamuddin dargahi qawwals, Ghulam Sabir and Ghulam Waris, who happen to be their distant relatives. To my delight, something resonated with Ayaz, and with a gleam in his eye, he responded, ""aray aray ye toh aaj zaroor pardhein ge. mera bhi jii chaah raha hai""

The performance had that unique touch of Farid Ayaz, with his intricate giraahs interspersed and a lovely, reflective start. It was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful renditions of the famous dargahi kalam "Main Maili Tan Maila Mera.

Sehra by Taslim Fazli - Main Jo Shayar Kabhi Hota

These are a truly special moments from Musab's wedding, featuring a timeless piece of poetry originally written by Taslim Fazli, a celebrated Pakistani poet born in Delhi around the time of the 1947 partition. His journey from Karachi to Lahore led him to collaborate with the legendary Naushad, where he penned numerous songs for the Pakistani film industry. 

The poem featured in this video, from the 1974 film Bahisht, captures the essence of love and good wishes that are typically part of a Sehra. In this video, Ustad Ameer Ali Khan's beautiful 2016 rendition of the song perfectly complements the occasion. His signature soft style makes this performance not just a tribute to the original composition, infused with verses of duas, but also a heartfelt dedication to Musab and begum on their special day.

 

Mein Maili Tan Maila Mera, Kirpa Karo Sarakar - Ustad Ghulam Farid Nizami & Faraz Nizami

 

A beautiful Naat that I love "Mein Maili Tan Maila Mera" was recorded recently by the Dream Journey Team in Austin Tx. 

Sadly on that day Ustad Nizami contracted a throat infection and wasn't able to perform in his usual melodious fashion. However his son, Faraz Nizami made up for it and the result is just fabulous. A combination of classical gayeki with such lovely soulful elements.

Recital: Ustad Ghulam Farid Nizami & Faraz Nizami

Poet: Khalid Mehmood Khalid

The Dream Journey sessions #2024 #Naat

Lead Vocalist: Ustad Ghulam Farid Nizami & Faraz Nizami

Tabla & Dhama: Ravi Nulu

Vocalist: Srajan Bhagat, Moiz Rizvi, Mario Garza & Iztac Metztli

Filmed on location in Austin, Tx

Camera: Adnan Hussain

Sound: Saad Alvi and Arif Ali Khan

Translation: Musab Bin Noor

Editor: Adnan Hussain

Co-produced by: Arif Ali Khan, Asif Hasnain, Musab Bin Noor, Vaqar Ahmed, Mushtaq Ahmed, Saad Alvi, Mushtaq Fadra and Mahera Omar

Copyright The Dream Journey 2024

Neeki Lagat Mohe Apne Piya Ki - Hazrat Shah Turab Ali Qalandar Hyderabadi

Ali Akbar Qawwal sounds the most like his late father and Ustad Munshi Raziuddin Qawwal.

Here he presents a mesmerizing rendition of Turab Hyderabadi's kalam Neeki Lagat Mohe Apne Piya Ki.

Just adore Turab Hyderabadi's verse "Chaen parrat naahi mukh daikay bina, Daikh najar bhar jaat mari re" which so perfectly depicts the universal desire take pleasure from looking upon the beloved.