The tradition of singing Qawwali in the Kashmir Valley is still very popular and holds a special place for local residents who listen to it to acquire peace and spirituality.
For the people of Kashmir, the fact that the UT government is actively promoting Qawwali-related events which are being sung in the Kashmiri language is a huge attraction, as it establishes a solid connection to the art. Special Qawwali shows have been held in places like Srinagar’s Tagore Hall in a bid to revive Sufi and Qawwali culture. Well known Qawwals like Athar Hussain Baluri, Ab. Gaffar Kamihami,Ab.Rashid Sodnar, etc. have been invited to perform over the years.
It is rare for anyone in India not to be aware or familiar with popular performers of Sufi Qawwali music, The Sabri Brothers. This musical band of brothers, who have their origins in Pakistan, are closely connected to the Chishti Order, and are considered as one of the greatest singers of Sufi Qawwal.
Often referred to as "Shahenshah-e-Qawwali" (the King of Kings of Qawwali), the Sabri Brothers were recently in Delhi to attend the wedding of the niece of one their close friends, , Shakeel Saifi. Brighter Kashmir's Editor-in-Chief Farooq Wani, who was an invitee to the wedding, had an opportunity to talk to the Sabri Brothers on the sidelines. The interview:

BK: You both are well known for being roving ambassadors of Qawwali music. Your family has been a musical one for several decades and generations. What are your feelings on being invited to perform at this wedding?

Sabri Brothers

We have got a very good response. We are very happy to be here.Especially happy to see so many VIP guests attending this wedding. Saifi Sharif Saheb is a close friend and his niece is like our niece, our family. Saifi Saheb approached us in Mumbai and said that this wedding could not take place without us being present. We are indeed honoured to be here.

BK: The kind of music that you are associated with and have been promoting for years is well known and popular? How do you plan to take this legacy forward, which is like a sacred trust?

Sabri Brothers

Music is a very big part of India's culture. Our Indian culture has been nurtured and nourished for tens of hundreds of years, from one generation to the next, and therefore, as long as we have life on this earth, our culture shall survive and flourish. Music is such an art in which there is no distinction made in terms of class, caste, or creed. Every religion, every community has a cultural history and enjoys it in some form or the other, be it music, dance, theatre, etc.

BK: In Kashmir, it is often said and felt that Sufism or Islamic mysticism or asceticism is a belief and practice that helps the local people establish their connection with the Almighty. How prominent and popular is it from a cultural perspective?

Sabri Brothers

It is our belief that Sufism as a thought is prevalent right across our country and cannot be said to be specific only to Kashmir. In Sufism, we believe that the human being becomes one with the Almighty. We as a musical band sing songs for Bollywood, are invited to take part in music festivals and cultural programmes organised across India. In that sense, we are promoting the Sufi culture, promoting Qawwal music.

BK: Kashmiri fans and music lovers would be eager to know about your future plans and projects?

Sabri Brothers

We have been invited to sing some songs in two or three Bollywood movies. Recently, we were invited as guests on the Kapil Sharma show. If you haven't seen it, it is available on YouTube. We would like our fans in Kashmir to see our performances on YouTube and would be more than happy to receive their comments and feedback. This is one way to improve ourselves as musical artists.
Traditionally, Qawwali is a form of devotional music. It belongs to a tradition of Islamic mysticism and contains the compositions of Sufi saints. Apart from religious functions, it is also sung during the birth and other lifecycle ceremonies. Qawwal singers are supported by musical instruments such as the Harmonium, Sarangi, Sitar, Tabla and Dholak. The rendition starts with Hamd (in praise of Allah), Qual (the sayings of the Prophet Mohammad), Naat (in praise of the Prophet), Manqabat (in praise of the Saints) and ends with Rang (in praise of the Chishti lineage).
The rhythm and music have a powerful impact on listeners and creates an atmosphere of piety. Qawwali is sung as an offering (Haazri) to Allah and to the Pirs (saints).
The knowledge and style of singing is transmitted orally, from generation to generation, and that is how the tradition has been kept alive. The singers’ quest is for unity with God, a spiritual experience which transcends his consciousness with mystical love, and transforms him into a state of ecstasy.
The rhythm and poetry culminates in a vibrant performance. It combines in itself the religious, mythological and festive aspects of the community and is an expression of its aesthetic and creative aspirations of the community.
The Sabri Brothers were initially founded by Maqbool Ahmed Sabri, who started singing at the age of eleven and was known as "Bacha Qawwal". His elder brother Ghulam Farid Sabri joined on the insistence of their father. He became the leader of the group and the band soon became known as the Sabri Brothers.
They are the first-ever Qawwali artists to perform Qawwali in the United States and other Western countries. They are also the first-ever Asian artists to perform at New York's Carnegie Hall (in 1975).