We are thrilled to announce a very special evening of captivating spiritual music coming to Southampton this spring. Art Asia, in partnership with SAMA and in association with SAYarts, proudly presents “Songs of the Mystics” featuring the internationally acclaimed Najmuddin Saifuddin & Group at Turner Sims on Friday, 31st May.
An Evening of Transcendent Sufi Qawwali
Najmuddin Saifuddin & Group are renowned masters of Qawwali, the ecstatic devotional music tradition that originated in the Sufi shrines of the Indian subcontinent over 700 years ago. Their performances transport audiences through powerful vocals, rhythmic handclaps, and mesmerizing instrumental accompaniment that builds to moments of intense spiritual elevation.
As direct descendants of the legendary Qawwali vocalist Ustad Tan Ras Khan, the group continues a musical lineage that spans thirteen generations. Their repertoire draws from classical Sufi poetry in Persian, Urdu, and Punjabi, exploring themes of divine love, spiritual enlightenment, and the mystical journey of the soul.
Join us for a rare opportunity to experience the powerful voices, hand-pumped harmoniums and percussion of this esteemed ensemble.
Event Details
Date: Friday, 31st May 2025
Venue: Turner Sims Concert Hall, University of Southampton
Time: Performance begins at 7:30 PM
Tickets: Available through the Turner Sims website
A Rich Heritage of Spiritual Music
The tradition of Qawwali that Najmuddin Saifuddin & Group represent traces back to the 13th century when Hazrat Amir Khusrou, a revered Sufi philosopher, trained 12 elite youngsters in the art of Qawwali. This group became known as the Qawwal Bachchay Gharana of Delhi, or simply Delhi Gharana. Through the centuries, this musical lineage has been preserved by master practitioners including Mian Saamat, Mian Tanras Khansahab, Ghulam Ghous Khansahab, and Haji Suleman Khansahab.
Ustad Qawal Bahauddin Khansahab—son of Haji Suleman Khansahab and a maestro in the Khusrou tradition—successfully passed this spiritual art to his sons, Qawwal Najmuddin Saifuddin & Brothers. Performing since 1993, they have demonstrated exceptional commitment to learning Sufi poetic verses, vocal techniques, and instrumental mastery from their father.
What makes this group particularly remarkable is their command of performing Qawwalis in multiple languages including Arabic, Persian, Hindi, Punjabi, Sindhi, Saraiki, Birj Bhasha, Poorbi, and even English. This linguistic versatility allows them to connect with diverse audiences while remaining true to the tradition’s spiritual essence.
The group’s dedication to preserving this ancient art form extends beyond performance—the Aga Khan Foundation in New Delhi has recorded their classical Qawwalis as a reference guide to Hazrat Amir Khusrou’s art for researchers and scholars. Najmuddin himself, now the leader of the group, conducts research on the history and background of Qawwali and has written scholarly articles on the subject.
A Collaborative Cultural Celebration
This special presentation brings together three organisations committed to celebrating and sharing South Asian arts and culture with the wider community:
- Art Asia: Southampton’s leading South Asian arts organisation, dedicated to promoting traditional and contemporary artistic expressions from across the Indian subcontinent
- SAMA: Champions of diverse musical traditions from across Asia
- SAYarts: Supporting emerging artists and innovative cultural programming throughout Southampton
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the transformative power of Sufi Qawwali performed by masters of the tradition in the exceptional acoustics of Turner Sims Concert Hall.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly for this extraordinary event. Book early to secure your place for an unforgettable evening of mystical music that transcends cultural boundaries.
To book visit Turner Sims website