Festival of Mystic Music & Ritual Arts – Fanna-Fi-Allah, Lala Qadeer, A.K Folk Group
Sun 30 April 2027, 7pm – Midlands Arts Centre – Outdoor Theatre
The Qalandar Festival, a celebration of artistic expression rooted in mysticism and brotherhood, brought together a diverse array of artists to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Indian independence and the formation of Pakistan. The festival’s program featured Birmingham’s Sufi singer Lala Qudeer, supported by the Azad Kashmir Folk Group, alongside the renowned US-based Qawwali group Fanna-Fi-Allah.
Returning to mac Birmingham after their sold-out debut performance in 2016, Fanna-Fi-Allah captivated the audience with their mastery of the classical art-form of Sufi Qawwali music. With over 20 years of dedication to this tradition, the group’s founding members delivered a performance that celebrated the great Sufi mystics of old and immersed listeners in the love of the Divine through profound mystic poetry.
Accompanied by the mesmerizing rhythms of tabla and group clapping, Fanna-Fi-Allah’s melodious chorus soared, urging the audience to elevate their hearts in exaltation to the Beloved and surrender to ecstatic devotion. Their live performance, characterized by intense passion and musical precision, left an indelible mark on all who attended.
As one of the foremost exponents of Sufi Qawwali music worldwide, Fanna-Fi-Allah’s presence at the Qalandar Festival was a highlight not to be missed. Their transcendent performance captivated diverse family audiences, eliciting overwhelmingly positive feedback. Indeed, this afternoon of Qawwali in the park was a testament to the power of music to unite hearts and souls in a celebration of spirituality and cultural heritage.