E-Paper
Rocking it, Sufi style
Sufi rock bands in the city tell us more about their musical genre.
Rock music has been the muse of city-based youngsters for a while now, but a musical style that is fast catching up with these bands is sufi rock.
Originating in Pakistan, the genre became popular in late 90s with the band Junoon, and their compositions that combined rock tunes, traditional lyrics and musical styles. It's believed that the term sufi rock was coined in 1993, when it was used by writer Nadeem F Paracha to describe Junoon's music.
We now take a look at six bands in the city that have made a mark with this genre.
Lafz-e-Dilli
They wanted to play for the people, and that's how they chose sufi rock as their primary genre. "Delhi loves sufi music. The soothing quality of it makes it the choice of many," says Jayad Ahmad, lead guitarist of the band.
Formed in:
2010
Number of members:
Four
Sufi rock to them means: According to them, Sufi music is related to God, and they perform it in their unique style - combining classics with western beats.
Inspired by:
Pakistani band Junoon and Indian Ocean
Why the name:
No particular reason
Remembered for:
All their performances till date
Nasya
In an effort to set themselves apart from other bands, they decided to adopt sufi rock. "Sufi is one music form that is attached to the roots and everyone enjoys it. A fine blend of electronic instruments and Godly lyrics is our genre," says Chirayu, the manager of the band.
Formed in:
2008
Number of members:
Seven
Sufi Rock to them means:
A fine combination of slow and fast music
Inspired by:
No one in particular
Why the name:
The name comes from a Hebrew word which means a miracle of God
Remembered for:
Performing on MTV Rock On 2 and for their song - Rabba Mennu Maaf Kari
Astitva
The band is known for incorporating sufi rock elements in their music. They perform Multani poetry in Khari boli language. "It's the language of sufi saints. Sufi rock is beyond copying compositions," says Zaman Khan, lead guitarist of the band.
Formed in:
2007
Number of members:
Five
Sufi rock to them means:
Lyrics about God and love, blended with contemporary styles of music
Inspired by:
Late musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mekaal Hasan Band and singer Hans Raj Hans
Why the name:
As the band documents every member's distinct musical existence
Remembered for:
Bhakti music festival
Rishi Inc
The band describes themselves as a sufi fusion band. One would find a unique blend of sufi poet Bulleh Shah's verses with contemporary scores in their compositions. "Sufi music to us is divine! While performing, we make a unique connect with the God," says Rishi Dutta, the keyboardist.
Formed in:
2010
Number of members:
Six
Sufi Rock to them means:
Fusion of everything sufi
Inspired by:
Late musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Why the name:
Rishi's the name of the founder, who writes most of their songs
Remembered for:
Their performances at college fests like IIT Delhi and AIIMS
Kaash
Though the band prefers calling themselves a Hindi fusion act, they believe that sufi rock forms an important part of their
performances. "People often mistake Hindi bands to be of the sufi rock genre. There's a big difference between the genres," says Shivam Khare, keyboard player of the band.
Formed in:
2008
Number of members:
Five
Sufi Rock to them means:
Music with sufi poetry with a modern touch
Inspired by:
The band Junoon and musical artist AR Rahman
Why the name:
They say the name was adopted just by chance, no particular reason
Remembered for:
Their gig in Gandhinagar, Gujarat few years ago
Nasha
The band members got their big break when they opened for a performance by Bollywood singer Mohit Chauhan. "We adopted this genre in an attempt to contemporise soulful melodies," says Akhil Sachdeva, lead vocalist.
Formed in:
2009
Number of members:
Six
Sufi Rock to them means:
Soulful music presented with modern techniques
Inspired by:
Coke Studio Pakistan
Why the name:
Nasha was the title of the band's first self-composed song. It eventually become the name of the band itself.
Remembered for:
Their rendition of the song, Mein Tenu Samjhawan Ki.
Get Connected
Which is your favourite sufi rock band? Share with us on
Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
