https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p005xhxj
“As part of the India and Pakistan ’07 season, Jameela Siddiqi visits the shrine of Pakpattan to hear music from Sufi fakir Sain Zahoor, and joins Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali at their family shrine in a tribute to their uncle Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who died ten years ago this month.”
A podcast exploring Sufi Dargahs in Pakistan – places in which Qawalli music thrives and lives. The poetry of Balleh Shah is sung in Punjabi as crowds gather to watch, much like the previous video by Fana-Fil-Allah in Morrocco. These really authentic and raw performances are usually my favourite – no microphones, no commercial cameras – usually only the ones from the audience, and no commodification, just a very real exploration of culture, idea and display of passionate affection which seems to be the driving force in Qawwalis genuine feel.
The recordings underneath the presenting voice of the podcast also seem really well mixed, not interfering with the voice of the presenter. It also feels very atmospheric, the places in which the presenter chooses to talk are places very specifically as the instrumentation and music comes in and out. I really like how the presenter takes a performative stance and begins to interview and actual performer who explains what the music means to them. I do think the translation for the audience may be necessary, but at the same time feel as if it takes away from what he is saying.