The qawwals traditionally perform at shrines (dargahs) as it serves as both worship and storytelling, carrying verses of saints, poets and mystics. Its call-and-response structure, harmonium-led arrangements and richly layered improvisations demand rigorous training, yet its appeal lies in its emotional accessibility. Over time, qawwali has travelled from shrines to global stages, retaining its devotional core while adapting to contemporary audiences.
The Warsis 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 honour this tradition as they faithfully render Hazrat Amir Khusrau’s classical repertoire. Their work keeps the centuries-old spiritual and musical heritage alive for new audiences in India and around the world.
As India’s renowned artists, the Warsi Brothers- Naseer Ahmed Khan Warsi and Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi- were honoured at the prestigious Aga Khan Music Awards 2025 which was held in London in November 2025 at the South Bank Centre.
In its citation, the jury recognised the duo for the “energetic preservation and onward transmission of the spiritual and musical legacy of Amir Khusrau to multigenerational audiences at the highest level of musical excellence.”
This recognition also comes at a time when traditional music faces challenges from rapid modernisation. 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.
The Warsi Brothers are widely regarded as among the finest living custodians of traditional qawwali in the subcontinent. They trained under their grandfather Padma Shri Aziz Ahmad Khan Warsi, they represent the classical rigour and devotional depth of the Delhi Gharana. Based in Hyderabad, their family has long served as court musicians for the erstwhile Nizam.
The Warsi Brothers’ contribution places a spotlight on India’s long-standing role as a centre of classical and devotional arts. Their powerful performances, rich vocals, and mastery of classical compositions have made them central figures in the preservation of this art form. Their qawwali performances reflect a tradition rooted in the teachings of Sufism, where music is a form of devotion and spiritual expression.
“Qawwali is a centuries-old devotional art form that blends poetry, music and spiritual expression into a powerful collective experience. Rooted in the Sufi traditions of the Indian subcontinent, it uses rhythmic clapping, soaring vocals and repetitive melodic patterns to evoke a state of wajd, a heightened spiritual ecstasy.” – Times of India 5 Dec 2025
