qawwali
what it is
Rooted in 8th century Persia, Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music popular in South Asia. It is a vibrant musical tradition that utilizes the tabla and poetic vocals in Urdu, Punjabi or Persian. Often listeners, and even artists themselves, are transported to a trance-like state of spiritual ecstacy where they feel at one with God.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make qawwali a playlist
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questions
What is qawwali?
Rooted in 8th century Persia, Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music popular in South Asia. It is a vibrant musical tradition that utilizes the tabla and poetic vocals in Urdu, Punjabi or Persian. Often listeners, and even artists themselves, are transported to a trance-like state of spiritual ecstacy where they feel at one with God.
What are good qawwali albums to start with?
Try Mustt Mustt by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Night Reign by Arooj Aftab, Aa Mil Yaar by Wadali Brothers, and Sacrifice To Love by Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali.
Who are some women making qawwali?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/qawwali/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making qawwali, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-21