The Entrancing Stories of Qawwali, unveiled
like never before
Twenty years of filmmaking, culminating in the ultimate Qawwali documentary series. Eight hours of carefully curated, never before published material.
All made possible by viewers like you, and offered exclusively here through Samā School of Music!
Travel with Fanna-fi-Allah
Follow the unique journey of the only Western-born Qawwali ensemble as they travel between India & Pakistan for 20 years to learn from the Grand Masters.
Serving as a bridge for greater understanding and connection, this documentary series offers a comprehensive and artistic view into the rich topics below:
The Teachings
Receive the gems of mystic wisdom
passed down through the ancient
Sufi lineages
The Band
Enraptured with enthusiasm to learn true Qawwali, Fanna-fi-Allah's unique adventures blossom into a global community
The Masters
Meet the living legends and the masters of the past, as the group members are invited into their homes
The History
How was the tradition born, and who influenced the music to evolve to such exalted heights?
The Devotional Gathering
Experience Qawwali in its original setting, and understand the ethics and culture that support it
The People
Feel the warmth of the people who live within this cultural heritage, having cherished it for hundreds of years
The Eight Episodes
ALL EPISODES ARE LIVE
Episode One:
Our Journey Begins
Fanna-fi-Allah's founder and leader Tahir Qawwal takes you back to the sacred places that birthed his passion for music. The group guides you to the dargah to experience Qawwali in its authentic setting. Sufi scholars Peer Asim Maharvi (Chishtiyan, Pakistan) and proclaimed author Sadia Dehlvi (New Delhi, India) offer insightful perspectives on Sufism.
Episode One is LIVE!
Episode Two:
A Call to Prayer
Follow along as the Seekers find their Masters and are welcomed into their families, kindling a deeper personal relationship with Sufi culture. Qawwali master Akhtar Shareef brings the group to his local shrine Aroop Shareef in Gujranwala, Pakistan for a smashing Qawwali session.
Episode Two is LIVE!
Episode Three:
Musical Pilgrimage
Nearly 20 years in the making, this feature length episode tells the story of Aminah Chishti’s initiation into the man’s world of qawwali in Pakistan. Following parallel story routes of Ustad Dildar Hussain, Abida Parveen Sahiba, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
Episode Three is LIVE!
Episode Four:
Mast! Mast! Mast!
Travel into the heart of Sufi trance as the journey finds us in Kaliyar Shareef and Sehwan Shareef, where dervishes whirl in ecstasy! An hour long piece devoted to the ceremony of the wild, wandering malangs and mystic trance. Featuring Ustad Asif Ali Santoo Khan and Ustad Sher Ali Mehr Ali.
Episode Four is LIVE!
Episode Five:
An Instrument in the Making
Harmoniums and tablas are carefully handmade by expert craftsmen, each with unique stories of their own. Let's get up close and personal with wood & reeds that are responsible for that deeply resonant Qawwali sound. Featuring the music of Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ustad Farid Ayaz Abu Muhammad, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Ustad Javed Bakshi Salamat.
Episode Five is LIVE!
Episode Six:
The Masters, Remastered
Time travel back to the Golden Era of Qawwali, remastered in high fidelity. Be introduced to the legends of old, whose virtuosity and charisma remain largely unsurpassed. Narrated by the most adored Qawwals of all time, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Ustad Ghulam Farid Sabri.
Episode Six is LIVE!
Episode Seven:
Beyond Borders
Delve deeper into the complexities and challenges that face the Qawwali tradition today. Learn about why some Islamist branches consider music forbidden, and take part in the Sufic initiatives championing equality, human rights and peace. See how this music continues to inspire people of all backgrounds to unite in devotion to the Beloved.
Episode Seven is LIVE!
Episode Eight:
The Next Generation
Meet the Qawwals that will carry this tradition into the future, and learn about the internal challenges that today's generation is experiencing. Learn how they present the music, how they navigate the popular culture and stay relevant to the current era, whilst being true to their heritage.
Episode Eight is LIVE!
Join The Epic Journey!
ALL EPISODES ARE LIVE
The Official Qawwali - Music of the Mystics Soundtrack is here!
The soundtrack to this series is now available, with over 14 hours of music! We invite you to explore these mystical concerts with us through nine volumes overflowing with full-length tracks including cinematic alaps; live Qawwali from its original settings; remastered tracks from the masters of the last century; and our contemporary master musicians from Pakistan.
Support the Musicians and Download Today!