Chand Nizami, a prominent figure in India's qawwali scene, is embarking on a new musical journey at the age of 64. After two decades of performing alongside his nephews, Shadab and Sohrab, as part of the renowned Nizami Bandhu group, he has decided to take a different path. "I’ll no longer be seen with my nephews," Nizami stated, expressing his desire to start a new chapter in his career.
With his three sons now grown, Nizami aims to collaborate with them, introducing a fresh dynamic to his performances. He describes his sons as innovators in "techno qawwali," a modern twist on the traditional Sufi music genre. This transition signifies a notable change in the qawwali landscape at Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, a revered site in Sufism where qawwali has been performed for 750 years as a form of spiritual offering.
Living adjacent to the Dargah, Nizami is deeply connected to this sacred space. The shrine is home to eight hereditary qawwali groups, with the Nizami Bandhu being one of the most celebrated. Nizami's prominence in contemporary qawwali has been amplified through his appearances in numerous Hindi films, particularly the iconic qawwali "Kun Faya Kun" from the film Rockstar, which was filmed at the Dargah itself. This song has achieved near-devotional status among visitors, many of whom hope to hear Nizami perform it live, despite the original playback being sung by AR Rahman.
Nizami's reputation extends beyond cinematic fame. He is known for his captivating performances, characterized by a powerful voice that resonates with emotional depth. His ability to gauge the audience's mood allows him to linger on poignant lyrics, a technique that enhances the spiritual experience inherent in qawwali. The tradition encourages repetition of lyrics to elevate the emotional intensity, a practice Nizami has mastered over the years.
For many years, he shared the stage with his nephews, performing at various venues including the Kamani Auditorium and Bharat Mandapam, as well as international locations like California and New York. Their performances were often a family affair, with the trio becoming synonymous with each other, even appearing together in the Rockstar song. A treasured memento from their travels is a leather-bound edition of Hafiz’s verses, gifted to Nizami by former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during a performance in Tehran.
As he reflects on this transition, Nizami views the separation from his nephews as a natural evolution within a growing family. He speaks fondly of them, acknowledging the bonds they share while embracing the changes that come with time. On a warm summer night, seated in the courtyard of his home with his harmonium, Nizami prepares to offer a qawwali, the marble dome of the Dargah silhouetted against the night sky. With the moon shining above, he instinctively raises his arm, ready to begin a new chapter in his musical legacy.
