The soulful strains of qawwali have traveled far beyond the shrines of South Asia, captivating global audiences, and now, they’ve conquered the cultural heart of Chicago. In a thrilling moment for Pakistani music, the documentary Songs of the Sufi won the coveted Best Documentary – Audience Choice Award at the 15th Chicago South Asian Film Festival. The win is more than just a nod to great filmmaking; it’s a celebration of Pakistan’s vibrant Sufi music tradition and a testament to qawwali’s power to move hearts across borders.
Songs of the Sufi immerses viewers in the world of classical qawwali, focusing on the Qawwal Bachay Gharana, one of Pakistan’s most revered musical families. The documentary skillfully weaves interviews with musicians, devotees, and scholars to explore the deep spiritual roots and the rigorous artistry that have kept qawwali alive through generations. The Qawwal Bachay Gharana traces its origins back to the legendary Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, a figure synonymous with musical mastery, whose influence continues to echo in today’s performances.
The film is a heartfelt tribute to the Gharana’s unwavering commitment to preserving the essence of qawwali. Through breathtaking performances and insightful interviews, the documentary gives audiences a front-row seat to the passion, devotion, and discipline that fuels the genre. For anyone who loves music with soul, Songs of the Sufi is a love letter to a tradition that marries spirituality with sound, moving both heart and mind.
Directed by Sharukh Waheed and Kamran Anwar, the film not only highlights qawwali’s musical beauty but also taps into its universal themes of love, longing, and divine connection. The filmmakers’ craft shines through in their ability to transport viewers into the intimate world of the qawwals, offering glimpses of their personal journeys as they navigate both the burdens and blessings of being torchbearers for a centuries-old art form.
For many, qawwali is more than just music—it’s a spiritual practice. Originating from Sufi mysticism, qawwali blends poetry, rhythm, and melody to create a sonic landscape that seeks to evoke a direct experience of the divine. Its combination of classical Indian music traditions and Sufi devotional elements has made it an art form that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. Over the centuries, it has become a beloved and essential part of South Asia’s musical heritage, revered for its ability to evoke deep emotion and spiritual awakening.
Icons like Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan—whose name is almost synonymous with qawwali—helped bring the genre to global attention. His electrifying performances and innovative fusion of traditional and modern sounds brought qawwali to a whole new audience, from London to New York. Another towering figure, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, not only mastered qawwali but also left an indelible mark on Hindustani classical music. His rich, emotive voice could convey both the tenderness and intensity of devotion, making him one of the greatest musical figures of his time.
Behind every powerful qawwali performance lies a rhythmic backbone—often provided by the tabla. The late Ustad Allah Rakha, whose deft and inventive tabla playing became legendary, was one of the key figures who enriched qawwali with his rhythmic brilliance. His collaborations with Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan produced some of the most iconic qawwali performances, helping to solidify the genre’s global appeal.
Songs of the Sufi taps into this rich history while also looking to the future. By focusing on the Qawwal Bachay Gharana, the film emphasizes the importance of keeping these traditions alive in an ever-evolving world. The family’s dedication to maintaining the purity of classical qawwali, while embracing new influences and challenges, is beautifully captured in the film. The documentary serves as both a celebration and a reminder that qawwali is not just music—it’s a way of life, steeped in love, devotion, and an unwavering connection to the divine.
The Chicago South Asian Film Festival, known for showcasing films that push cultural boundaries and explore the human experience, was the perfect platform for Songs of the Sufi. The documentary’s victory there is a reflection of its universal appeal. Audiences, both familiar and unfamiliar with qawwali, were drawn in by its emotional depth and spiritual resonance, proving once again that music truly knows no borders.
For fans of world music and Pakistani culture, this win marks an important moment of pride. It shows that qawwali, with its roots deeply embedded in South Asia, has the power to reach across oceans and touch souls worldwide. The Qawwal Bachay Gharana, whose story lies at the heart of this film, has succeeded not only in preserving this art form but in sharing it with the world in all its vibrancy and beauty.
As Songs of the Sufi continues its journey on the international film circuit, it carries with it the profound spiritual messages and musical heritage of Pakistan’s qawwali tradition. This win is just the beginning—it’s a reminder of the universal appeal of art that speaks to the heart and soul, no matter where in the world it is heard.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
