Afzaal Ali Khan Qawwal is a renowned Qawwali artist hailing from Lahore, Pakistan. He is a proud representative of the Begumkot gharana, an illustrious lineage of Qawwals. With a family legacy of four generations of Qawwals, Afzaal Ali Khan has been passionately performing this soulful genre for the last two decades.
Afzaal Ali Khan’s Musical Journey
Afzaal Ali Khan’s journey as a Qawal began at a young age, when he was initiated into the art by his father and grandfather. He was later mentored by renowned Qawwals, which honed his skills and refined his musical style. Over the years, Afzaal Ali Khan has established himself as a prominent Qawwal, with his performances garnering widespread acclaim both in Pakistan and abroad.
The Begumkot Gharana
Afzaal Ali Khan’s Qawali performances are steeped in the rich cultural history of the Begumkot gharana, which is renowned for its distinct musical style. The gharana has a long and illustrious history, with roots tracing back to the Mughal era. The Qawwals of Begumkot gharana are known for their ability to fuse classical ragas with folk melodies, resulting in a unique and enchanting musical experience.
Rivayat Album and Its Significance
Afzaal Ali Khan Qawal’s exceptional musical prowess has earned him numerous accolades over the years. Notably, he was featured on the “Rivayat” album, a project curated by the celebrated guitarist Mekaal Hasan. Rivayat is an exceptional musical series that highlights traditional and indigenous talent from various regions of Pakistan. The project aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan’s working-class musicians, who have diligently preserved the roots-based musical traditions for generations.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.