There will be a very special and totally free night of Eid al-Adha celebrations at Fed Square on Saturday June 22, featuring the exceptional music of Fareed Ayaz, Abu Muhammad and many more.
On Saturday, June 22, Melbourne will come alive with the moving melodies of sacred Sufi music as world-renowned Pakistani Qawwali musicians, Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad, grace Fed Square with a free evening concert: A night of Sacred Music for Eid
Presented by SalamFest and Fed Square in collaboration with the City of Melbourne, this event promises an enchanting evening of mystical music, rich cultural traditions, and festivity.
A night of Sacred Music for Eid
- Saturday 22 June 2024
- 3pm – 7pm
- Main Square, Fed Square
- Free
- More information here
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Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad
The evening’s main attractions, Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad, are globally celebrated figures in the realm of Qawwali – meaning “word of the Prophet SAW”.
Popular in India, Pakistan, and parts of Bangladesh, Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music that is recognisable through its hypnotic vocals and intense spiritual essence. It was created over 700 years ago by iconic Sufi singer Amir Khusrau with the vision of simplifying religious and philosophical poetry to make it accessible to everyone.
The brothers, along with their ensemble, are masters of weaving intricate melodies and rhythms that transport listeners to a transcendent state. Accompanied by the harmonium, tabla, dholak, and the rhythmic handclaps that characterize Qawwali, their performances are a deep, immersive experience in musical and religious expression.
Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad come from an esteemed ancestry of Qawwali musicians. They were mentored by their father, the revered Ustad Munshi Raziuddin, who was a major figure in the Qawwal Bachchon Ka Gharana, a tradition dating back to 14th-century Delhi. Their ensemble also spans three generations of family members, contributing to the profound and energetic performances.
This rich heritage manifests in their music, which has captivated audiences globally, from local festivals to prestigious stages like the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. They’ve also crossed over into the world of film, with their music being featured in the 2012 movie The Reluctant Fundamentalist. In recognition of their art and devotion, in 2020, Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad received the Pride of Performance Award from the President of Pakistan. With these accolades and deep historical roots, their Melbourne performance is not just a concert but a rare opportunity to witness living legends of a centuries-old tradition.
The Tarab Ensemble
Adding a local flavour to the evening, the Tarab Ensemble, Australia’s largest group dedicated to instrumental classical Arabic music, will join the Qawwali masters. The word ‘Tarab’ refers to the euphoric emotions elicited by classical Arab music.
Founded in 2019 by artists from across the Middle East, the Tarab Ensemble has quickly become a prominent fixture in Australia’s music scene, known for its devotion to traditional Arabic sounds while imbuing them with unique contemporary twists.
An evening of music, food and craft
Set against the iconic backdrop of Fed Square, this celebration of Eid will be more than just an auditory feast. Running from 3 pm – 7 pm, the festive atmosphere will be enhanced by various food stalls offering traditional and contemporary culinary delights.
Hosts SalamFest aim to showcase the breadth of Muslim arts, culture, and spiritual traditions in Melbourne. Based on the values of love, compassion, and peace, SalamFest supports Muslim creativity as a means of fighting Islamophobia. As conflict rages in the Middle East, SalamFest hopes this night can act as a soothing balm to the pain and heartbreak permeating through communities.
This night of sacred music is a testament to Melbourne’s cultural diversity and the city’s commitment to celebrating its vibrant multicultural fabric. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to experience the moving power of Qawwali music with Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad, supported by the talented Tarab Ensemble. Let the hypnotic melodies and rhythms of Qawwali leave you with memories that will linger long after the night has ended.
For more information and updates, head to the Fed Square website here.
This article was made in partnership with Fed Square.
