Riyaaz Qawwali's humble story

At the time of inception, 'Riyaaz' was three enthusiastic student musicians whose primary focus was classical and semi-classical compositions. Soon after, we decided to venture out from our usual repertoire and performed qawwali for the first time on November 4, 2006 at a social event at The University of Texas at Austin. Entranced by the breadth and depth of qawwali, we decided to dedicate our group to studying this music style and hence Riyaaz Qawwali was born.

What is this genre of music?

Qawwali is a revered yet refreshing musical tradition that dates back to the late 13th century. More than 700 years since Amir Khusro composed the famous qaul ‘Man Kunto Maula.’ We envision modernizing the genre for today's audience, while staying true to the ethos of qawwali and niche tradition of Sufiana Kalaam. Our first undertaking in this direction is 'Project Kishti'.

How is Riyaaz Qawwali expanding Qawwali?

Qawwali, by nature and its rich hertiage, crosses time epochs with its beautiful music and poetry that stretching from the east banks of the Caspian to the rich floodplains of the Ganges. Riyaaz Qawwali, while keeping the genre's essense, plans on taking this 700 year old tradition to bring forward a new oneness. ‘Project Kishti’ (Kishti means boat in Hindi/Urdu) aims to use this genre of music transcend religious, spiritual, and cultural boundaries in a show of singular spiritual experience.

This CD will embody the oneness that qawwali represents. It will be the first time where 1 CD will represent the poetry and ideas from different faiths. We are making extra efforts to respect each entity, while stretching the cliche definition of qawwali. The tracks will include:
- 2 tracks representing the Sikh faith
- 2 tracks representing the Sufi/Islamic faith
- 2 tracks representing the Hindu faith
- 1 track (if permitting) representing the Christian or Buddhist faith

From Studying to Refining and Recording: Our First Qawwali CD/DVD

Riyaaz Qawwali has been conservative in recording. We have a lot of respect for classical and semi-classical artists that have paved the way for us. We stand here today, more refined from 2006, due to the efforts of our teachers, parents, silent supporters and relentless fans.

The journey over the last six years has been rich with experience and the support we've gotten has been nothing less than miraculous. Our Youtube Channel has been our grounds for research. We've learned a lot from our work there. You can find a few pieces that we have recorded over the years (Latest release: Chaap Tilak). This CD & DVD production would allow us to take the recording and editing standard to a better level. Help us make our DREAM COME TRUE!

How can YOU help?

Our goal for this effort is $15,000. Every dollar and every pledge counts. The money will go towards paying for the hours of studio time, equipment rental costs, video, sound & lighting professionals' fees, editing, artwork, CD & DVD printing, distribution, and many others that we're leaving off for the sake of your time! Please pledge and share this video to save this dying art form.

We have been spreading the rich, rhythmic, and unique heritage of qawwali for years on social media websites. Qawwali stands on the shoulders of great poets (Baba Farid, Guru Nanak, Sant Kabir, Baba Bulleh Shah) and innovative musicians (Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen, Wadali Brothers, and Sher Ali Mehr Ali). Today, we ask you to help us take on this tremendous, albeit exciting, undertaking of qawwali's expansion. Join us on
-- facebook (www.facebook.com/RiyaazQ) 
-- and twitter  (http://twitter.com/#!/riyaaz_qawwali)
to keep updated on all of our efforts as well as the progress of our 1st CD and DVD.  :) 

Pledge!
Save Qawwali!!
Share with your friends!!!
Help us spread & expand Qawwali!!!!
T     H     A    N     K     Y      O     U   !