JEDDAH, 2 September 2007 — A qawwali program, jointly organized by the Consulate General of Indian and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, was held at the Indian International School Jeddah’s auditorium on Friday.
Renowned vocalist Mohammed Ahmed Khan Warsi and his group regaled music lovers with a masterly rendition of some of the finest lyrics of legendary poet Amir Khusro and others.
Ahmed Khan, the lead qawwal, provided a wide repertoire of numbers for a hungry audience which included the cream of the Indian community, and a few Saudis. The qawwali began with a “Hamd,” followed by a “Na’at” and moved on to other songs as slowly the crescendo built up. The listeners then transcended into an entirely new world of music and emotions. Ahmed Khan in his deep charismatic voice effortlessly rendered some of the finest qawwalis.
Dr. Rashad Husein, professor, King Abdul Aziz University, was the chief guest on the occasion. India’s Consul General Ausaf Sayeed in his address talked about the richness of qawwali. Consul Haj Suhel Ejaz Khan introduced the qawwal.
An added attraction of the evening was a Saudi folk dance performed by young Saudis donning traditional Hejazi garb, which earned a thunderous round of applause.
In the troupe were Mehfooz Ahmed on the dholak, Mohammed Waris Nawaz on the tabla and for chorus the group included Khalid Hussain, Hamid Husain, Rafi Ahmed, Taslimuddin and Ghulam Rasool.