Riyaaz Qawwali at the Williams Center

Few of the world’s traditional musics are as captivating as the 700-year-old form of qawwali. With lively rhythmic cycles, gripping melodies, and inspirational poetry, Riyaaz Qawwali weaves new songs and texts from Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, and other religions into the fabric of this venerable devotional music. The musicians, who come from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, embrace their diverse linguistic and religious backgrounds to extend qawwali to new, enthusiastic audiences. Returning to the roots of this ecstatic, mystical music, Riyaaz Qawwali conveys a universal message of oneness and joy that transcends religious and political boundaries.