Gunshots cracked through the silence of still air, as Qawwali singer Amjad Sabri was shot dead in Pakistan on June 22 this year. Ali Zaidi, a Sufi music enthusiast, presenting a tribute to Sabri, didn’t say a word for many hours when he turned on the television and learnt the news of the artiste’s demise. The shock was so deep that it almost took his voice away. A few days later, he gained acceptance of what had happened. In memory of Sabri’s greatness, Zaidi has organised the musical programme.
As Sufi Hayat Brothers (Hamsar Hayat Nizami and brothers) and Sabri Sufi Brothers (Haji Iqbalshad Sabri, Dilshad Sabri and Irshad Sabri) come together to share stage for the first time, the event will see many admirers. “Sabri’s musical reverence is worth admiring. He played an instrumental role in establishing a bond between religion, the modern world and qawwali. He may be gone but his music keeps us alive,” says Zaidi, promising to keep Sabri’s legacy alive.
July 17, Kamani Auditorium, 1 Copernicus Marg, 7 pm onwards.