Message of Sufi saints

Presenting their latest collaborative work with Ricky Kej, the Warsi Brothers on why the subject of unity is close to their hearts

In the recently released Jio Cinemas series, Equals, Indian Qawwali duo, Warsi Brothers—Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi and Naseer Ahmed Khan Warsi—join hands with Ricky Kej for a collaborative Sufi track that aims to bridge their distinct musical worlds. “His understanding of music is very different from ours. The way he thinks about it is also different,” says Naseer, adding, “When we began to collaborate, I was told to recite a few words in the Sufi style. He liked one of the Sufiana kalam, which we went on to record. The poem is based on unity.” 

Nazeer adds that the subject is “close to our hearts” and has been promoted for “centuries in India”. “The message of unity has been shared by Sufi saints and other great artistes. As artistes, will continue to spread it. The Qawwali genre has been taken from Sufi saints, and has been [practiced] for 800 years. Our ancestors used to sing it at the homes of kings. The new generation is [continuing] to practice it, and we are happy to see this. They are enjoying it, and we want them to move forward with the legacy.”

The seven-part documentary presents a blend of folk and urban music, and deftly showcases how the veteran artistes’ cultural backgrounds shaped their art. 

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