In Bengaluru, nightlife gets a soulful upgrade

In a city known for its buzzing nightlife, a soulful current has found its way inside the breweries and bars of Bengaluru. Bands like Sukoon wali Qawwali and Mehfil-e-Sama are bringing the timeless beauty of Sufi and qawwali music to unexpected spaces such as lounges, clubs and intimate gatherings where people come in traditional outfits to experience an evening of lyrical depth with a mix of party vibes.

‘THE MUSIC IS SACRED, BUT THE FORM CAN EVOLVE OVER THE YEARS’
Chandan Alawadhi of Sukoon wali Qawwali says the approach of performing qawwalis is both rooted in tradition and adapted according to the modern audience. “We retain the original lyrics of classics and introduce newly written poetry to frame each composition. Each song is preceded by a poem that sets the thematic tone, creating a continuous narrative. To suit the modern short attention spans, we often restructure traditional qawwalis with a duration of 17 minutes without sacrificing any depth. The music is sacred, but the form can evolve,” he explains.

For Irfan Erooth of Mehfil-e-Sama, the shift to soulful music has opened up new creative possibilities with thoughtful decisions around the presentation. “Music is constant in every performance, but some of the lyrics include religious verses that require careful consideration. Sometimes the environment doesn’t align with the depth or sanctity of the piece, so we adapt. It allows us to keep the core of the music alive while respecting where we are performing,” he tells us.

‘BENGALURU IS HUNGRY FOR THIS ENERGY’
“People in Bengaluru are craving something soul-stirring. The city is full of people from across the country who miss their cultural roots but also want to party,” says Chandan. Irfan adds, “Bengaluru as a city is open and accepting of everything. People here are curious and willing to sit, listen and feel the music.”

‘MUSIC IS A MEDITATIVE EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE’
The COVID-19 pandemic has truly changed the world, for good and bad. When it came to music, several people across the world discovered traditional music on streaming platforms. “Young people show up in huge numbers, and it’s surprising. Our generation is dealing with anxiety, burnout and depression. Music is a soulful getaway, especially Sufi, because it is raw and meditative. I believe that is why people are connecting to it a lot more,” says Irfan.


‘PEOPLE NEED A REASON TO DRESS IN TRADITIONAL ATTIRE’
For Ziwa Raharia, a consultant in Bengaluru, nightlife has always been about wearing a little black dress and dancing in loud and busy breweries. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think of listening to qawwalis in a pub setting wearing ethnic,” she says. “People in metro cities don’t get to wear ethnic clothes unless it’s a wedding or a festival. Dressing up sets the tone. The moment you put on a kurta or sari, you’re already in a different headspace,” says Chandan.

‘LANGUAGE IS NEVER A BARRIER IN MUSIC’
Over the years, Irfan has noticed a growing interest in Sufi music in South India. “In north India, Sufi music is an inherent part of culture, but in south India, it is still new for a lot of people. This is the reason why several people are also embracing qawwalis with immense openness. People don’t come with any expectations but with curiosity. They might not speak the language or understand the lyrics, but it is the feeling they connect with. Language is never a barrier in music,” he says.