Aziz Mian Qawwal(Urdu:عزیز میاں قوال) (17 April 1942 – 6 December 2000) was aPakistanitraditionalqawwalfamous for singingghazalsin his own style of qawwali and is considered one of the greatest qawwals inSouth Asia.[2][3][4]He holds the record for singing the longest commercially released qawwali,Hashr Ke Roz Yeh Poochhunga,which runs slightly over 150 minutes and.[4]Aziz is known bysobriquets— "Shahenshah-e-Qawwali" (King of qawwali), "Fauji Qawwal" (Military Singer)[5]since his early performances were often in army barracks, and "the Nietzschean qawwal".[6]
"Shahenshah-e-Qawwali" Aziz Mian Qawwal | |
---|---|
Birth name | Abdul Aziz |
Also known as | Shahenshah-e-Qawwali Aziz Mian Meeruthi |
Born | [1] Delhi,British India | 17 April 1942
Died | 6 December 2000[1] Tehran,Iran - (buried inMultan,Pakistan) | (aged 58)
Genres | Qawwali,Ghazal |
Occupation(s) |
|
Instrument | Harmonium |
Years active | 1966 – 2000 |
Labels | EMI Pakistan,Oriental Star Agencies,Columbia Records |
Early life and background
editAziz Mian was born asAbdul Aziz(Urdu:عبد العزیز) in Delhi,British India.[4]The exclamationMian,which he often used in his qawwalis, became part of his stage name. He began to introduce himself asAziz Mian Meeruthi.The wordMeeruthirefers toMeerut,a city in northernIndia,from where he migrated toPakistanin 1947.
At the age of ten, he began learningHarmoniumunder the tutelage of UstadAbdul Wahid KhanofLahore.He received sixteen years of training at theData Ganj Baksh SchoolofLahore,and earned masters (M.A) degrees inUrdu literature,Islamic StudiesandPhilosophyAnd Bachelor's degree inEnglish literaturefrom theUniversity of Punjab,Lahore.[4]
Career
editAziz Mian was one of the non-traditional Pakistani Qawwals. His voice was raspy and powerful. Aziz Mian was the only prominent qawwal to write his own lyrics (though, like others, he also performed songs written by other poets).[4]Aziz Mian was a contemporary, and often a competitor ofSabri Brothers.
He first began performing at private gatherings. However, his official ‘start' came in 1966, when he performed in front of the Shah of IranReza Shah Pahlavi.The Shah of Iran was so moved by his performance that he gave Aziz Mian a gold medal. From this moment on, Aziz Mian gained popularity and started releasing albums. In addition to singing qawwalis, he was also an expert at singing ghazals. He became a noted member of the qawwal community due to his unique and crisp voice.[7]In the early days of his career, he was nicknamedFauji Qawwal[8](Urdu:فوجی قوال) (meaning "Military Qawwal" ) because most of his early stage-performances were in military barracks for the army personnel. He was known for a "more recitative, more dramatic diction" and was inclined toward qawwali's religious rather than entertainment qualities,[9]though he also enjoyed success in moreashiqana sufi qawwalis.
He was fond of discussing religious andSufiparadoxes in his qawwalis. He directly addressedAllahand complained about the misery of man (the greatest creation of the Almighty). In addition to his own poetry, Aziz Mian performed poetry byAllama Iqbal,and a number of contemporary Urdu poets, includingQamar Jalalvi,Jigar Moradabadi,Tabish KanpuriS M Sadiq,Saifuddin SaifandQateel Shifai.[4]
Death
editAziz Mian died from complications of hepatitis inTehran,Iranon 6 December 2000.[1]He was in Iran at the invitation of theGovernment of Iran,to perform on the occasion ofImam Ali's death anniversary, that was his final performance. In that show all his fans included himself are crying that is the reason for Aziz can't continue singing.[10]He is buried in Multan, on the brink of Nau Bahar Nehar[Canal].[1]His death anniversary (Urs) is celebrated every year on the first Thursday of May, theUrscelebrations commence with the 'Ghusal' ceremony conducted by Mian Saheb's son Shibli Aziz and Rasm e Sandal of Baba Nadir Hussain famously known as 'Tootan Waali Sarkar' who isPeer O Murshid (Spiritual Master)of Aziz Mian. TheUrscelebrations continue for three days, starting with 'Ghusal' followed by 'Chadar Poshi' and 'Mehfil e Samaa' (Urdu:Mehfil-e-Samaa) of Qawwali ('samaa' means the listening audience inUrduand Arabic). Around seven to eight qawwal groups perform. The celebration terminates after the last ritual of 'Qul'. TheUrs(death anniversary) celebration are organized by Shibli Aziz Mian, who is more interested in mysticism and Sufi traditions. He is promoting and propagating this spiritual heritage of his father and have quite a number of disciples (mureeds) and followers.
Family
editAziz Mian had 12 children. And had nine sons Amir Khusro, Shibli, Junaid, Tabreiz, Imran, Naeem, Buali,shahbaz ali,and Farhan, etc. His son Shibli is not a qawwal but his successor in Sufism, while all other sons have followed his footsteps in Qawwali.[11]They are very similar in style to Aziz Mian himself and like other sons of famous qawwals (Amjad Sabri for example, or Waheed and Naveed Chishti), they perform many of their father's hits. Tabrez is however considered to be the closest to his father's style. His looks and his style are a mirror image of his father. Tabrez also toured North America for a tribute to Aziz Mian Qawwal.
Legacy
editAwards and recognition
edit- His First Tour Was Of Iran During 1966, There He Performed His First International Performance Before Shah Of IranMohammad Reza Pahlavi,he was awarded with a Gold Medal after the performance.[7]
- For his service in music, theGovernment of Pakistanawarded him thePride of Performancemedal in 1989.[4][7]
Works
editAziz Mian Qawwal received a worldwide recognition and fame with his Masterworks and earned the title ofOne of the Greatest Qawwals,Some of his works include –
- Teri Soorat Nigahon Mein Phirti Rahe / Main Sharabi Main Sharabi
(Lyrics by – Tabish Kanpuri & Aziz Mian)
- Allah Hi Jaane Kaun Bashar Hai
(Lyrics by – Aziz Mian)
- Nabi Nabi Ya Nabi Nabi
(Lyrics by – Aziz Mian)
- Aadmi Hai Benazir
(Lyrics by – Abdul Hamid Alam)
- Meri Daastan E Hasrat
(Lyrics by –Saifuddin Saif)
- Naseem E Subha Gulshan Mein
(Lyrics by – Allama Simab Akbarabadi & Aziz Mian)
- Bewafa Yun Tera Muskurana Bhool Jaane Ke Qaabil Nahi Hai
(Lyrics by – Tabish Kanpuri & Aziz Mian)
- Haaye Kambakht Tu Ne Pi Hi Nahi
(Lyrics by – Aziz Mian)
- Unki Aakhon Se Masti Barasti Rahe
(Lyrics by – Abdul Hamid Alam & Aziz Mian)
- Aasman Se Utaara Gaya
(Lyrics by – Nazeer Banarasi & Aziz Mian)
- Kabhi Kaha Na Kisi Se / Daba Ke Chal Diye
(Lyrics by –Ustaad Qamar Jalalvi& Aziz Mian)
- Mere Khoon E Arzoo / Ye Maqam E Zindagani
(Lyrics by – Purnam Allahbadi & Aziz Mian)
- Woh Dil Hi Kya Tere Milne Ki Jo Dua Na Kare
(Lyrics by –Qateel Shifai& Aziz Mian)
- Main Kya Janu Ram Tera Gorakh Dhandha
(Lyrics by –KabirDas,Allama Iqbal,& Aziz Mian)
- Jannat Mujhe Mile Na Mile
(Lyrics by – Aziz Mian)
- Hashr Ke Roz Main Poochoonga
(Lyrics by – Aziz Mian)
- Meri Arzoo Muhammad / Na Kaleem Ka Tassawur
Albums
edit- 1976Aziz Mian(EMI Pakistan)
- 1976Allah Hi Jaane Kaun Bashar Hai(EMI Pakistan)
- 1977Aziz Mian Qawwal & Party(EMI Pakistan)
- 1978Baksh Deta Toh Baat Kuch Bhi Na Thi(EMI Pakistan)
- 1978Is Tere Sar Ki Qasam(EMI Pakistan)
- 1978Voh Dil Hi Kya Tere Milne Ki Jo Dua Na Kare(EMI Pakistan)
- 1979Aziz Mian & Others – Teri Soorat Nigahon Mei Phirti Rahe / Main Sharabi(EMI Pakistan)
- 1979Ashk Aankho Mei Thamte Nahi Hai(Emi Pakistan)
- 1979Ik Mard E Qalandar(Shalimar Recording Company Pakistan /Multitone Records)
- 1980Nabi Nabi Ya Nabi Nabi(EMI Pakistan)
- 1980Ye Mai Hai Zara Sonch(EMI Pakistan)
- 1980Aaj Ki Raat Hai(EMI Pakistan)
- 1980Aziz Mian Qawwal(EMI Pakistan)
- 1980Tarrapte Hai Machalte Hai(Shalimar Recording Company Pakistan / Multitone Records)
- 1981Aziz Mian Ka Wada(EMI Pakistan)
- 1981Aziz Mian Vol.1(EMI Pakistan)
- 1981Aziz Mian Vol.2(EMI Pakistan)
- 1982Aankh Barsi Hai Tere Naam Pe(EMI Pakistan)
- 1982Tha Bhi Mai Aur Hoo Bhi Mai(EMI Pakistan)
- 1983Yeh Paisa Kya Karega(EMI Pakistan)
- 1983Mitti Ki Moorat(EMI Pakistan)
- 1983Shahbaz Qalandar(EMI Pakistan)
- 1983Soey Maikada Na Jaate(EMI Pakistan)
- 1984Hashr Ke Roz Volume – 1 & 2(EMI Pakistan)
- 1984Jannat Mujhe Mile Na Mile(EMI Pakistan)
- 1984Ae Ri Mai Toh Prem Deewani(EMI Pakistan)
- 1985Aasman Se Utaara Gaya(EMI Pakistan)
- 1985Jalwo Se Muhammad (S) Ke(EMI Pakistan)
- 1986Rag Rag Bole Rasool (S) Meri(EMI Pakistan)
- 1986Bhala Hua Kabeera(EMI Pakistan)
- 1990Is Daur Ke Insaan Se Kuch Bhool Hui Hai(EMI Pakistan)
- 1990Greatest Hits Of Aziz Mian(EMI Pakistan)
- 1992Milegi Shaikh Ko Jannat(OSA Records)
- 1993Sharabee Sharabee Teri Soorat(OSA Records)
- 1993Sharabee Live in England(OSA Records)
- 1994Qalandar Mast Qalandar Vol.5(OSA Records)
- 1994Takhti Vol.30(OSA Records)
- 1994Taj Dar E Haram Vol.32(OSA Records)
- 1994Shaam Pae Gayee(OSA Records)
- 1995Wadah(OSA Records)
- 1995Saaya E Mustafa Hussain(OSA Records)
- 1995Sajdah(OSA Records)
- 1995Rut Albeli Raat Suhani Vol.4(OSA Records)
- 1995Naseem E Subha(OSA Records)
- 1995Dhoom(OSA Records)
- 1995Allah Hi Jaane Vol.14(OSA Records)
- 1996Mere Khoon E Arzoo Ko(Sonic Enterprises)
- 1996Khwaja Piya(OSA Records)
- 1996Khwaja Ki Deewani(OSA Records)
- 1996Ishq Mei Ham(OSA Records)
- 1996Dil Jala(OSA Records)
- 1996Bhar Do Jholi(OSA Records)
- 1996Bewafa Vol.15(OSA Records)
- 1997Jannat Mujhe Mile(OSA Records)
- 1997Allah Hi Jane Live in England(OSA Records)
- 1997Akhian Dee Gali(OSA records)
- 1997Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni(MovieBox UK)
- 1997Allah Bahot Bada Hai(Moviebox Birmingham)
- 1998Shikwa Jawab E Shikwa(OSA Records)
- 1999Maati Ke Putle(OSA Records)
- 1999Chaadar Fatima Ki(OSA Records)
- 1999Humen Toh Loot Liya(Hi-Tech Music)
- 1999Bade Badnaseeb Theh Hum(Hi-Tech Music)
- 2003Nas Nas Bole Nabi Nabi (S)(OSA Records)
- 2003Duniya Ka Ajeeb Bazaar – Last Recording(OSA Records)
- 2007Mere Saamne Reh(OSA Records)
- 2014Hum Kaise Guzaara Karte Hai(EMI Pakistan)
- Contributing artist
- 1987Sher E Yazdaan Ali Ali(EMI Pakistan)
- 1987Maikhana – Aziz Miyan & Sabri Brothers(EMI Pakistan)
- 2004Main Sharabi – Aziz Mian & Sabri Brothers Qawwal(OSA Records)
- 2006The Best Qawwali Album in the World Ever – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, The Sabri Brothers & Aziz Mian(EMI Pakistan)
References
edit- ^abcd73rd birth anniversary of Aziz Mian qawwal, Dawn (newspaper)Published 17 April 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2022
- ^Manuel, Peter Lamarche (1993).Cassette culture: popular music and technology in north India.U of Chicago P. p.125.ISBN978-0-226-50401-8.Retrieved2 July2018.
- ^"10 Best Pakistani Qawwali Singers of All Time".DESIblitz.22 May 2020.Retrieved20 March2022.
- ^abcdefghAziz Mian's Pride of Performance Award info on Dawn (newspaper)Published 17 April 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2022
- ^"Aziz Mian Qawwal's 16th death anniversary today".Pakistan Today (newspaper). 6 December 2016.Retrieved20 March2022.
- ^"Aziz Mian: The Nietzschean Qawaal".Dawn (newspaper). 8 October 2015.Retrieved20 March2022.
- ^abcd"Profile of Aziz Mian".urduwire website.13 April 2012. Archived fromthe originalon 24 March 2019.Retrieved20 March2022.
- ^Mohsin Ali Syed (3 May 2019)."Remembering Aziz Mian".The Friday Times (newspaper).Retrieved20 March2022.
- ^Nidel, Richard (2005).World music: the basics.Routledge. p.247.ISBN978-0-415-96800-3.Retrieved2 July2018.
- ^Anees Hanif (6 December 2014)."Aziz Mian Qawwal died 14 years ago today".ARY News website.Retrieved20 March2022.
- ^Imran Aziz Mian- like father, like sonDawn (newspaper), Published 30 June 2013. Retrieved 20 March 2022