Overwhelmed with sadness to hear Ustad Akhtar Sharif Aroop Wale Qawwal has just passed on.
I can genuinely say that for me ( any many ) he was one of the greatest qawwals of the 21st century.
A true master of raag, sufi poetry, bol bant & ishq.
He was a top student of my grand teacher, Ustad Bakshi Salamat & perfectly carried his master’s rich, ground shaking style of delivery, wherein every verse lands directly upon the heart of every listener.
Aminah & I were so lucky to live and learn with him in Gujranwala Pakistan many years ago as well as hear his qawwali ensemble offer their hazri during urs time often throughout our journeys.
The first time we heard his qawwali ensemble was in room 5 of the Pilot Hotel during Data Sahib urs, I was so enraptured that I fell into his lap crying. I also have fond memories of us travelling in their group’s tour van with the hookah going while learning classical compositions.
We’re very honoured to present his work & wisdom in the Music of the Mystics film series.
We recorded this piece at his local dargah in Gujranwala, presenting his classic dadra mastery. Tere Ishq de Nachaya coming up next…
Sending all our love to his family & student, we’ll miss you dearly.
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ