LONDON (Diya TV) — Indian qawwali exponents Naseer Ahmed Khan Warsi and Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi received global recognition at the Aga Khan Music Awards held on Nov. 23 at the Southbank Centre in London. The celebration, organized in partnership with the EFG London Jazz Festival, brought together top artists, music leaders, and cultural advocates from around the world.
The ceremony honored eleven artists from Morocco, Bahrain, Türkiye, Iran, Lebanon, India, Mali, Palestine, Greece, Pakistan, and Senegal. Each winner received the award for outstanding achievement and deep commitment to preserving and advancing musical traditions. The event highlighted global cultural heritage and reinforced the role of music in building shared human experiences.
Naseer and Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi were among the distinguished winners. The brothers are respected across India and abroad as leading exponents of qawwali, the devotional Sufi music of South Asia. Their powerful performances, rich vocals, and mastery of classical compositions have made them central figures in the preservation of this art form.
They come from the legendary Qawaal Bachhey lineage. This highly regarded musical family traces its roots to the original ensemble trained by the poet-musician Amir Khusrau, who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries and is widely seen as the founder of qawwali. The Warsi brothers continue to honor this tradition through shrine performances and the faithful rendering of Khusrau’s classical repertoire. Their work keeps the centuries-old spiritual and musical heritage alive for new audiences in India and around the world.
The Aga Khan Music Awards celebrate artists whose work strengthens communities, preserves cultural identity, and expands artistic boundaries. This year’s event gathered musicians, industry professionals, and cultural leaders in London to spotlight traditions that cross borders and generations.
Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan praised the winners for their dedication and influence. “The musicians that we honour tonight embody both mastery and generosity,” he said. “Their artistry is not only technical: it is human, and through their work they can transmit knowledge, values, and stories that have travelled through generations.”
Fairouz Nishanova, director of the Aga Khan Music Awards, emphasized the deeper purpose of the awards. “Every artist on this stage tonight reminded us of what is essential: that music is not an accessory to life – but life itself, translated into sound,” she said. Her remarks underscored the event’s focus on cultural continuity and human connection.
The Warsi brothers’ recognition places a spotlight on India’s contribution to world music. Their qawwali performances reflect a tradition rooted in the teachings of Sufism, where music is a form of devotion and spiritual expression. By honoring the duo, the awards also highlight India’s long-standing role as a center of classical and devotional arts.
This recognition also comes at a time when traditional music faces challenges from rapid modernization. Artists like the Warsi brothers help bridge the past and present by presenting authentic, high-quality performances on national and international stages. Their work ensures that qawwali remains vibrant and relevant for younger generations.
