How two brothers from Pakistan became the world's first global ambassadors of Sufi qawwali.
In short: Long before qawwali became a global phenomenon, the Sabri Brothers were breaking barriers. As the first artists to bring this sacred Sufi tradition to Western stages, they transformed from a local Pakistani ensemble into international icons, performing at Carnegie Hall and pioneering a sound that bridged ancient spirituality with modern audiences.
Founded in the mid-1950s by Maqbool Ahmed Sabri, the group began as the Bacha Qawwal Party before his elder brother, Ghulam Farid Sabri, assumed leadership. Trained by their father, Inayat Hussain Sabri, in both qawwali and Indian classical music, the brothers claimed a lineage tracing back to the legendary 16th-century musician Mian Tansen. Their rise to prominence in the 1970s was marked by a unique status as the only troupe granted first-class recognition by the Pakistan Television Corporation.
The brothers were instrumental in introducing qawwali to the West. In 1975, they became the first Asian artists to perform at New York's Carnegie Hall, a tour sponsored by the Asia Society. Their influence extended far beyond the concert stage; they were known for their philanthropic spirit, frequently donating proceeds from international tours to earthquake relief, famine aid, and hospital construction. Their 1989 album 'Ya Habib,' released on Peter Gabriel's Real World Records, remains a landmark recording that captured their signature blend of rhythmic percussion and mesmeric harmonium drones.
Following Ghulam Farid Sabri's death in 1994, Maqbool Ahmed Sabri continued to lead the ensemble, maintaining their commitment to the Sufi tradition until his own passing in 2011. Despite personal tragedies and health challenges, including a severe accident in 1995 that required multiple surgeries, the brothers left an indelible mark on global music. Their legacy persists not only through their extensive discography and film contributions but also as the pioneers who proved that the devotional intensity of qawwali could resonate deeply with audiences across the globe.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Sabri Brothers
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