Australia
World-Renowned Pakistani Qawwali Musicians Deliver Exclusive Eid Concert in Melbourne. On a magical evening in Melbourne, the world-renowned Pakistani Qawwali musicians, Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad, along with their ensemble, delivered an exclusive free concert in celebration of Eid. The event, held on 22 June, 2024 at the Federation Square, attracted a large audience eager to experience the sacred sounds of Sufi music.
The evening featured hypnotic vocals rich in poetic and mystical symbolism, accompanied by harmonium, tabla, dholak, and handclapping. Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad, masters of the Qawwali form, led the performance, transporting the audience closer to the divine with their powerful, looping verse-chorus sequences.
Traveling all the way from Pakistan, the Qawwal brothers were joined by Melbourne’s Tarab Ensemble, Australia’s largest group dedicated to instrumental classical Arabic music. This unique collaboration brought together the sacred sounds of Sufi and classical Arabic music, creating an unforgettable night under the stars.
Attendees were encouraged to bring picnic blankets or folding chairs and enjoy the evening with friends and family. The event also featured a variety of food and craft stalls, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Presented by SalamFest and Fed Square in collaboration with the City of Melbourne, “A Night of Sacred Music for Eid” showcased the rich cultural heritage of Qawwali music. Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad, along with their ensemble, are celebrated globally as some of the finest exponents of this vocal-driven Sufi devotional music. Their performances have graced prestigious events worldwide, including the BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall in 2017, and they were honored with the Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 2020.
The Tarab Ensemble, founded in 2019, has quickly risen to prominence as Australia’s leading group dedicated to instrumental classical Arabic music. The term ‘Tarab’ encapsulates the pleasure and joy derived from great classical Arab music, a sentiment echoed in their captivating performances.
In a commitment to sustainability, the event featured a low-waste initiative in collaboration with Green My Plate. All food vendors served their dishes on reusable plates and bowls, which attendees placed in designated pink bins for cleaning and reuse. This initiative aimed to reduce single-use food packaging and promote environmental responsibility.
The success of “A Night of Sacred Music for Eid” highlighted the power of music to unite people from diverse backgrounds, celebrating cultural heritage while promoting sustainability and community spirit.
