It is the vibrant history that lays the foundation of a nation and the drive towards change that takes it forward. Living on these lines, CPIC, the leading developers of Gwadar real estate who are transforming the face of Pakistan, are proud to bring the Queen of Sufi music Abida Parveen to London. We welcome the legendary Sufi maestro who is all set to mesmerise audiences on the 26th of October 2018 at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, London.
UPDATE 22/10/2018: Unfortunately, the show happening on the 26th of October has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. All ticket holders are kindly asked to please get in contact with Eventim Apollo or Eventbrite from where you would have purchased your tickets and they will arrange your refund.
Here is a collection of Abida Parveen classics that is guaranteed to make your day more melodious and enjoyable.
1. Chaap Tilak Sab Cheeni
A poem originally composed by the iconic 14th century Sufi poet Amir Khusrow for his arguably even more famous spiritual mentor Hazrat Nizammudin Auliya. The track gives off a dreamy, romantic aura with lyrics such as “I give my whole life to you Oh, Nizam/You’ve made me your bride, by just a glance”. Ms. Parveen performed a widely acclaimed version on the popular Pakistani music show Coke Studio alongside Qawwali superstar Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
2. Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi
Passionate, romantic lyrics form the basis for this very popular song that has also been famously covered by Nighat Akbar on PTV in the 1970’s. “In this city who am I supposed to meet, I had to leave all gatherings. Every person seem to discussing you, every person is madly in love with you”.
3. Tere Ishq Nachaya
This is possibly one of Ms. Parveen’s most popular tracks ever, which is saying something considering her formidable discography. It is based on a heartfelt, romantic poem by legendary 18th century Sufi poet Baba Bulleh Shah in which he expresses how his lover’s affection has made him dance like crazy.
4. Mast Qalandar
Widely accepted as one of the greatest Sufi songs of all time, this is an ode to Shahbaz Qalandar, the most revered Sufi saint of the Sindh province of Pakistan. Originally written by Amir Khusrow and later modified by Bulleh Shah, the popular song contains numerous references to Sindhi culture as well as the story of Shahbaz Qalandar or “Jhulelaal”, which means “red bridegroom”. According to legend he is referred to as Jhulelaal because he was promised his friend’s daughter’s hand in marriage, but the friend died and his son refused to allow the marriage to happen which caused Shahbaz Qalandar intense grief.
5. Dost
A Ghazal/Kalam of the Arifana variety, the title means ‘Friend’ and talks about the greatest, sincerest companion of all Sufis – God. The song is full of praise and exaltation for God, with lines such as “As soon as His thought appeared, He appeared in my heart/What wondrous miracles the heart has accomplished!” and “Though nothing was said to Him face to face/What wondrous conversation occurred behind the curtain of the heart!” This track is especially representative of the intense love and devotion Sufis have for God – Ms. Parveen being no exception.
6. Ramooz-e-Ishq
This is a remarkably mystical track as the singer asks “I have boundaries, or am I boundless?/Am I part of the Universe or am I the whole Universe?” Profound ideas like these make up the basis of Sufi thought and thus are often expressed through music. Other fascinating Sufi-centric symbolism that pops up is fondness for alcohol, despite it being forbidden in Islam. This is mostly interpreted as purely metaphorical allegory for “intoxication in one’s devotion to God”.
Please also enjoy our infographic about Abida Parveen’s legendary career
CPIC, a real estate investment company specialising in property in Gwadar aims to bring about a positive change to Pakistan by setting up safe and secure housing projects. CPIC’s premier real estate venture China Pak Golf Estates is an exclusive gated community regarded as the ‘most desirable residential and lifestyle address in Gwadar’.
For more information, please contact CPIC via calling +44 (0) 333 733 3337 or via email: [email protected]