APNI MASTI. HAMSAR HAYAT & FRIENDS PRESENT SUFI QAWWALIS

"Apni Masti (my ecstasy) is an album of Qawwalis (traditional mystic songs) performed by Hamsar Hayat and his group from India's capital, Delhi, featuring six songs in languages ranging from folk Hindi to Persian to modern Urdu. Hamsar is the son of Hayat Nizami Qawwal, and the nephew of the world famous Meraj Ahmad Nizami, whose families have been performing Qawwali at the Dargah (tomb) of the Chishti saint Nizamuddin Aulia in Delhi for many generations. Hamsar, 33, received his training in Qawwali music from his father, whom he sang with since he was a child and learned the nuances of Persian, Urdu and Hindi lyrics from his uncle. While both father and uncle have left indelible marks on his style, Hamsar also strives to evolve his own characteristic manner of singing. His voice has a sound classical base, as he uses elaborate improvisations and ornamentations of the classical style, such as taans (long crescendos), gamaks and murkis (vacillations of the voice). The troupe consists of all young members, accompanying Hamsar in chorus, clapping, and percussion. Hamsar and his friends are a quite sought after group in Delhi and elsewhere in India. Besides singing the Qawwalis, this group is also often invited to perform Bhajans (Hindu devotional songs) at religious gatherings - a rare quality for a Muslim group. The lyrics have been translated into English in the booklet." (www.qualiton.com)