Deccan Chronicle
Sultans of Sufism
By Debarun Borthakur
Apr 11 2010
Kailash Kher, Sufi singer and member of the band Kailasa, opines “Sufi music doesn’t have a distinctive sound and every time one sings a poem or a creation by any of the Sufi poets, it can be termed as Sufi music with or without any music as the background. So, it doesn’t really matter what genre is backing the poetry. One needn’t have a license to fuse myriad musical styles with Sufi poetry, as it is entirely a matter of individual choice. Jiski jitni budhdhi, woh utna hi kar sakta hai”
Hindustani light-classical singer Rekha Surya who sings Sufi poetry in Thumri-Dadra-Ghazal style informs “Although originally associated with Qawwali in the subcontinent, Sufi music has to do with content rather than form, as it is the poetry which is significant. So one can present Sufi poetry according to one’s musical style. I do think, however, that the music sheathing this poetry should have roots in either classical or folk traditions if it is not sung as Qawwali.
Sufi poetry emanates from Islam but is without heavy religiosity and appeals to people like myself who are not drawn to formal religion. Some Sufi poetry corresponds with ancient Hindu philosophy that allows erotic sculpture on temples. Such mystical poetry is very attractively attired, often wearing the garb of romance. Like two sides of a coin, its interpretation can be either sensual or spiritual. My musical genre, being stylistically romantic, accommodates this poetry with ease.
Compassion for fellow beings is intrinsic in all religions. This commonality transcends religious divisions and is the essence of Sufism, which has caught popular imagination. The popularity of Sufi music is here to stay as it now occupies a distinct space of its own.”