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.

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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.

Nasya

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.

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.

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