It was a night filled with music, poetry and good vibes as the Samaa & Qawwali evening took place in Christchurch. The unique event brought together two Sufi traditions, combining the powerful melodies of Qawwali from the Indian subcontinent with the sacred Samaa ceremony. Guest singers Banat from India and Waris Rajput from Christchurch added to the magic with their soulful singing.

The Fendalton Community Centre provided an intimate setting for this unforgettable event, welcoming nearly 100 attendees. The atmosphere exuded warmth and inclusivity, encouraging active participation from the audience. 

The event was in a series of monthly Samaa evenings organised to celebrate live Sufi music, dance and poetry with guest artists. 

Sufi music, which has a large following among musical fans in Christchurch, is deeply rooted in the works of influential Sufi poets like Rumi, Hafiz, Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusrow and Khwaja Ghulam Farid. 

Qawwali, which means “utterance” in Arabic, is a distinctive musical style originating from South Asia. It holds a significant place in Sufism—a mystical branch of Islam that emphasises a personal connection with God and upholds tolerance, peace, and equality as core principles.

The evening was made even more magical with the inclusion of guest musician Banat, a Punjabi folk artist from India. 

Banat’s soulful voice brought Sufi songs to life, captivating the audience with its ethereal quality. Waris Rajput’s exceptional talent took centerstage as he paid homage to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, mesmerising listeners with his powerful renditions. Each performance showcased the profound beauty and richness of Sufi music.

The event commenced with a heartfelt rendition of “Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Aave” by Rajput, paying homage to the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, often hailed as “Shahenshah-e-Qawwali” (king of Qawwali). 

The audience enthusiastically joined in with rhythmic claps as Banat delivered a flawless rendition of Bulleh Shah’s “Ni Main Kamli Haan.” Her pitch-perfect performance elevated the evening and captivated everyone.

The fusion of Qawwali and Middle-Eastern instruments created an extraordinary synergy that fascinated both Sufi musicians and enthusiasts. 

Simurgh Music School's Esmail Fathi joined with traditional Persian vocals while Liam Oliver mesmerised the audience with his skilful playing of the Iranian string instrument called tar. 

Pragunya Myers-Daly from Monk Party contributed to the magical atmosphere with his guitar melodies. Banat was playing on harmonium with Fahim on tabla. 

Ruchika Malhotra, who attended the event with her friends, said, “It was truly an enchanting experience for us! The blend of sufi music and the  whirling dance created a very spiritual atmosphere. I am grateful to have been part of such a magical evening.”

Rajput said, "I am grateful to the Simurgh Music School for providing this opportunity for me and I am overwhelmed by the feedback from the audience."

Rajput went on to sing many other numbers, including the ever popular, "Dum Mast Kalandar" and "Chhap Tilak Sab Cheeni".

Simurgh Music School, founded in 2022 in Christchurch, was set up with an aim to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and appreciate traditional music. 

The free event successfully brought people together through the power of music, poetry, and spirituality. ???????

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