by Craig Harris
The musical legacy of late qawwali singer Nusrat Ali Khan has been passed on to his teenage nephews, Muazzam and Rizwan Ali Khan. Performing as Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwli, the two brothers bring a fresh approach to the religious Sufi music of Pakistan. According to www.worldmusicportal.com, they use music as a vehicle to enlightenment or to achieve inner knowledge — via rhythmic hand clapping, percussion, harmonium and a vast repertoire of sung poetry. Reviewing one of their concerts, Escape took a similar view, writing, the tone continues throughout with the solo and group vocals of their ensemble weaving through wheezy harmonium swirls and tabla percolations. Performing their first major concert at the WOMAD Festival, in Reading, England, in July 1998. Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali released their debut recording, Sacrifice to Love the following year.