RIZWAN-MUAZZAM QAWWALI

De Centrale proudly presents Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali, the internationally acclaimed ensemble led by Rizwan and Muazzam Ali Khan—nephews and musical heirs of the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. With a lineage that spans over 500 years of Qawwali tradition, the brothers bring the ecstatic, devotional music of the Sufi mystics to a new generation of listeners.

This autumn, the group will perform music from their critically acclaimed new album, At the Feet of the Beloved (Real World Records, 2025), alongside selections from Chain of Light—a long-lost Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan recording, rediscovered and released more than three decades after it was first captured.

Rooted in the powerful tradition of Qawwali, the group’s performances are a spiritual and sonic journey. Rizwan and Muazzam sing in Urdu, Punjabi, and Farsi, using hypnotic vocal repetition and soaring melodies to induce a state of musical ecstasy. Their voices are supported by a gharana—a traditional ensemble of harmonium, tabla, and rhythmic handclaps—creating a sound that is both ancient and electrifyingly alive.

True to tradition, the group performs seated on the floor, a practice they believe brings them closer to the divine. Their concerts are not just musical events—they are immersive experiences that transcend cultural, linguistic, and religious boundaries.

Described as “majestic, hypnotic, and deeply joyful,” Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali’s live shows are a rare opportunity to witness the raw power and beauty of one of the world’s most spiritually resonant musical forms.

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of devotional music, transcendent energy, and timeless tradition—right here in Ghent.

_{Pictures courtesy AsianArtsAgency (credit Mobeen Ansari)}