Hyderabad, TELANGANA :
Qawwal Naseer Taj talks about the power of qawwali, its spiritual approach and why connoisseurs enjoy it
For 30-plus years, Naseer Taj has been enthralling music aficionados with his qawwalis in Hyderabad. “Music is a way of devotion and life,” he smiles as he gets ready for a qawwali rendition at Goethe Zentrum. As part of the World Music Day celebrations, he along with his team including his son gave a soulful performance at the German centre. The packed crowd of 100 members sat mesmerised as his robust voice croonedSabka Malik ek hai. It was followed by the all-time favourite Damadam mast kalandar. The six accompanying artistes added to the lively effect and turned the cool Sunday evening into a memorable onefor the audience.
A few hours before the performance, Naseer is in a buoyant mood. He recalls his early days as an auto driver before his passion created a path for him. “I was passionate about qawwalis. There was something magical about the chorus voice and claps,” he recalls. While his family was concerned about the youngster listening to qawwalis in his spare time, Naseer was unperturbed. “I would drive auto in the mornings and attend qawwali programmes in the night. The family would search for me and I would be listening to a qawwali at a concert,” he laughs and adds, “I was busy pursuing my passion that I never knew when it became my profession.”
The energetic powerhouse pieces of qawwali were traditionally sung at the shrines of saints; they would take many on the path of spirituality. Qawwalis depicted in movies and reality shows seem different from the traditional form, and Naseer says the highpoint of qawwalis is its underlying spiritual approach. “Qawwalis draws their essence from classical music but it is a unique genre. Here music and text blend together and the lyrics are important. While one sings softly in a ghazal, qawwals like to sing loudly. This has a deep effect on the audience’s memory.”
Speaking about qawwali’s roots, he says, “Qawwalis have a unique place in Hindustan and music lovers hold it on a high pedestal. People of all sects enjoy the performances,” he states, giving examples of ,Sabka maalik ek hai. He sums up the essence by saying: “Badan ka rang kuch bhi sahi, sabka lahoo ka rang ek hai. Qawwali is part of our culture and we should be proud of our legacy,” he says.
Naseer has given numerous performances across India and abroad. “One cannot put into words the feeling of singing qawwali,” he says and explains, “The music, rhythmic claps and the loud voice of the qawwal creates a positive energy. The qawwals experience ecstasy and the divine presence. Those moments are magical when the audience also experiences joy.”
He recently sang for the Independence Day celebrations at Golconda Fort and affirms the genre has seen changes according to the changing tastes. He feels connoisseurs enjoy a qawwali with clean words. “There were some songs with cheap lyrics but when there are meaningful words, qawwalis create a connect. Log ache cheez ko sunte hain, chillar cheez ko nahin”
Naseer looks back at his life with satisfaction. “My qawaalis have given my soul joy and peace. I have got my daughters married. I live in a rented accommodation. My only dream is to see my son shape up as a good qawwal. When he sings, people will remember me,” he signs off.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review > Music / by Neeraja Murthy / Hyderabad – June 30th, 2016