Q A U L - by Wajahat Hussain Khan Qawwal

The melodious voice of Wajahat Husain Khan Badauni

I had been looking for Wajahat Hussain Khan Badauni for a while. Always wondered how the descendants of one of the greatest voices in qawwali (Jafar Husain Khan Badauni) could just disappear from public view.  I tried to ask people of his whereabouts but had no success. For those of you who do not know of him, Wajahat is the grandnephew of the late Qawwali Ustad Jafar Hussain Khasaheb of Badaun. I even asked Yousuf Saeed in Delhi, a Khusrau enthusiast, thinking that he would surely know. Yousuf had been to Badaun many years back and met Jafar saheb, however did not have any further information about the next generation of qawwals.

Then quite by coincidence, and to my delight, I was recently contacted by his young nephew Nadeem Khan who is a classical singer based in Delhi (cousin of Ustad Rashid Khan) and sent me this lovely CD. Nadeem and Wajahat are both from the Rampur Sehaswan Gharana and Wajahat Hussain Khan is the grandson and disciple of legendary Ustad Nissar Hussain Khansahab.

Born in Badaun, Wajahat was associated with Jafar sahab at an early age due to his keen interest in Sufi music and started performing regularly ever since. An experienced qawwal of 45 now, Wajahat is recognized by most in the qawwali fraternity for his musical prowess and understanding of 'gayaki'. His wonderfully melodious style is quite similar to that of his granduncle. Enjoy the music!

I am hoping that from all the qawwali lover out there all over the world, some will take an interest in Wajahat Hussain Khan Qawwal party and will host the singer. In sab ki hosla afzai karna ham sab pe farz hai. achhay sunnein waaley kay bhi kuchh faraez hotay hein aakhir.

Q A U L - Mun Kunto Moala - by Ustad Bakshi Javed Salamat Qawwal

Of the many renditions of the Qaul the ones that appeal most are those that start slowly and help build a mood. Ones that gently immerse the listener in the spirit of the music. This version by Ustad Bakshi Javed Salamat certainly happens to be amongst those. Noteworthy also are the many voices in the party that are steeped in classical singing as well able to sing so well together as a group.

Their percussion players (table & dhol) play an important role in creating a beautiful atmosphere and also for a change the well rounded sound of the harmonium here is quite pleasant. Enjoy!

Qaul - Mun Kunto Moala - Farid Ayaz & Abu Muhammad

Qaul recital in Montreal - 2008
Farid Ayaz & Abu Muhammad Qawwal
Kalam: Amir Khusrau


What makes this rendition truly special is the delightfully classical andaaz alaap (1.30 - 7.26) that includes taankari and lots of sargam. Farid Ayaz & Abu Muhammad are leading qawwals of Pakistan and hail from the Dehli Qawwal Bachay Gharana.

Focus on the Beginnings (Behlava) - Mun Kunto Moala

One of the beautiful things about qawwali is that one rendition is never the same as another, so even though you have heard the Qaul a hundred times, each new rendition is unique and has it's own beauty.

This one is particularly special because of it beautifully classical and unhurried Behlava. The sazeena has been removed so one can focus on the Behlava. The singing begins with a Raag Bhopali bandish "Aik suratiya ki do hein Mooratiya" and is soulful as it progresses into the main body of the poetry becoming increasingly intense.

Farid Ayaz and his party have outdone themselves here. The sargam and the laeykari has got to be one of the best ever. The whole party works well in unison and helps create this atmosphere of being one with the instruments as well as true to the word.

Enjoy!

Lessons in Qawwali by Najmuddin Qawwal

Starts to get really interesting and fun after 2.43 mins.

Wonderful to see everyone recite the Qaul. Khusraw must be smiling listening
to this.

I am sure that if they started classes in Karachi alot of people would turn up for
group classes.

Mun Kunto Moala - Ustad Raza Ali Khan

In praise of Hazrat Ali, this manqabat is is sung with the accompaniment of modern instruments and will surely appeal to the young at heart.

Ustad Raza Ali Khan is the grandson of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, of the Kasur Patiala Gharana, and is otherwise mostly a classical and semi-classical singer.
He is also an accomplished music director and composer.

Q A U L - Mun Kunto Moala by GMN

In this older rendition of the QAUL by GMN qawwal I am particularly impressed by the use of the Sitar as well as Nasir's melodious voice. The harmonium just doesn't move me in the same manner. His use of voice reminds me a little of the unhurried andaaz of Qawwal Jafar Husain Khan Baduni.
Also of note is the beautiful tarana that starts around 7.50 mins. Quite unusual and different from what we are used to. khubsoorat gayeki hai.

Qawwal: Ghous Muhammad Nasir Niazi (Autroli Gharana)
ref: http://qawwalgmn.com/

The images in the video are of Hazrat Ali's shrine at Mazar e Sharif in Afghanistan very close to the border of Iran, where his remains were believed to have been moved from Najaf after his passing.