About Tahir Qawwal

Tahir Qawwal had begun studying Indian Classical music at the young age of 14. He had begun learning the tabla. Four years later his undying devotion for this style of music took him to India for his first time. Seeking the yogi’s of the Himalayas and teaching himself Sanskrit, he found that music was his path towards the one.

Studying under vocal masters Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Pashupati Nath Mishra, Sher Ali Khan, Muazzum Qawwal and various others Tahir embodies the potency of ecstatic devotion. Every day Tahir is devoted to the never-ending knowledge of raga. Through his vast knowledge he’s ability to transliterate the ancient Qawwali songs brings Fanna-Fi-Allah into manifestation. Tahir has been the founder, leader, inspirer and vision holder of the first and only western-based Qawwali party, Fanna-Fi-Allah. His by-lingual education of English, French, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi and Pharsi is only growing to bring his students and audience to a deeper understanding of Qawwali music. Teaching vocal and music theory for 6 years, Tahir returns to the east, India and Pakistan every year. Where he performs and continues to expand his knowledge with the masters.

Tahir’s harmonium playing has become a great asset to Fanna-Fi-Allah. Outstanding rhythmic and melodic accompaniment keeps the audience attentive and amazed. Tahir’s harmonium teacher Rahat Ali, first student of Ustad Faruk Fateh Ali Khan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s first harmonium player and brother gives Tahir a transmission no one in the world has received. Tahir is driven by the passion that Qawwali embodies. The passion of devotion towards the one god. Returning this year for his sixth visit to India and his third to Pakistan, Tahir has become a bridge from east to west. A cultural exchange necessary for the evolution of humankind.

In 2006 at the age of 26 Tahir guided the members of Fanna-Fi-Allah for their first time to Pakistan. Meeting the masters and attending live Qawwali ceremonies. Tahir received an honor well due. Fanna-Fi-Allah was asked to perform at the world’s largest Qawwali ceremony in Pak Pattan Pakistan at the shrine of the most famous Sufi saint Babba Farid. Tahir lead the first and only western-based Qawwali party into a place in history. Tahir’s musical ability, gentle nature and fire of divine love is a performance not to miss. His dynamic vocal expertise creates reactions of laughter, tears of bliss, deep meditation and ecstatic dance. One of a kind transmission, which Tahir cultivates, awakens the place within, where all unity prevails.