ISMAILI ART AND MUSIC

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kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Aa(n)kho vaataldi joi thaaki
My eyes are growing weary waiting
Devotional Geet
Salgirah 2019 Special Presentation

JollyGul.com presents lyricist Suman's devotional geet Aa(n)kho vaataldi joi thaaki (My eyes are growing weary waiting) beautifully sung by Aly Sunderji and Nazia Amin Mohammad . This is part of our ongoing series of videos for the Jamat in the month of December to celebrate Salgirah 2019.

Aly Sunderji is an artist, music composer as well as a passionate teacher. Aly is a man of many talents and wide interests. In his alternate persona as “The Mithai Man”, Aly loves spending time in the kitchen making culinary delights. Aly's immense pioneering efforts over many years in giving exposure to Ismaili artists on his hugely successful YouTube channel deserves special mention and appreciation from all of us. Aly lives in Vancouver, Canada.

Nazia Amin Mohammad is a passionate vocalist based in Dubai UAE and is originally from Karachi Pakistan. She has sung in more than 32 languages. Nazia is a social media star and is covered regularly by the media in the Gulf States. She is a Business Development Executive by profession.

In this geet Aa(n)kho vaataldi joi thaaki, Suman compares his love for Imam-e-Zaman as that of a chakori (which is a legendary bird in Hindu scriptures) with intense obsession with the moon. A chakori is a symbol of intense love, it can spend its whole night gazing at the moon.

The geet was recorded in 2016 at the Lata Mangeshkar Studio in Mumbai as part of the DJ album Prem Prakaash - A Celebration of Love.

Click on the link below to start watching the video which we present with running lyrics and translations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k5NIo7 ... e=youtu.be
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

#Salgirah2019 Special Presentation By JollyGul.com: Kamal Taj – Tera Chahera Hai Noorani

JollyGul.com presents upbeat devotional geet Tera Chahera Hai Noorani (Your face emanates spiritual enlightenment) cheerfully sung by Kamal Taj. This is part of their ongoing series of videos for the Jamat in the month of December to celebrate Salgirah 2019. This happy and celebratory song video is set against a backdrop of spectacular display of fireworks as we enter the holiday season.

Kamal Taj is the son of renowned poet Taj Qavi and the beloved Rehmatbanu Taj. He composes and performs devotional music in praise of God, His Prophets, and the Ismaili Imams. His songs take his listeners on a spiritual journey and help them develop a deeper understanding of their faith. Kamal was born in Mumbai, India, grew up in Bangladesh and Pakistan, and moved to the United States in 1978. The lyrics for this song were written by his father Taj Qavi who passed away in 2012.

The geet was recorded in 2010 in Doha as part of Rooh Ka Safar (Journey of the Soul) album.

Click on the link below to start watching the video which is presented with running lyrics and translations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSUg-AW ... e=emb_logo
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Our Artists, Our Heroes: Shamshu Jamal (A Special Tribute)

“We belong to Allah and to Allah we shall return”

JollyGul.com pays special tribute to our beloved artist Shamshu Jamal who passed away last week (December 27, 2019) and will be dearly missed by many in the community who are familiar with his creative work.

Shamshu
Shamshu Jamal was an internationally acclaimed vocalist, musician, lyricist and composer, originally from Dar-es-Salaam Tanzania. He settled in Vancouver BC in 1973.
Shamshu was a rare and generous personality who was committed to different genres and aspects of light music such as ghazals, bhajans, ginans and Ismaili geets. His singing evokes feelings of longing and yearning and he penned simple yet expressive lyrics.

Shamshu was born and brought up around music; his training began in the 1940s by his father, the Late Noordin Jamal. After settling in Vancouver, Shamshu began teaching music. He taught his students to play raags on harmonium, vocal culturing, as well as rhythm. Some of his students were his own children and grandchildren as well. His son Riyaz is a renowned tabla nawaaz. His daughter Rosemin sung with him in his Silver Jubilee Album.

In the year 2000, the Government of Canada’s Council for the Arts recognized Shamshu’s accomplishments and contribution to Indian Music in Canada, and awarded him a prestigious grant to pursue advanced music studies in India.

In recent years, Shamshu had begun to pass on his knowledge to the younger generation. In his 2015 Ginan Mehfil in Yaletown, he trained seven Ismaili singers under the age of 30 to sing ginans, geets, and qasidas with music.

As a harmonium player Shamshu had shared the stage with artists such as Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, Smt. Shweta Jhaveri.

Shamshu Jamal passed away in Vancouver BC on Dec 27th 2019 at the age of 83 years.

Some of Shamshu Jamal’s Albums include:

Paheli Mulakaat (with Khursheed Nurali) in 1978

Jubilee ke Naghme (recorded in England with his daughter Rosemin) in 1983

Khushiali Geets – Ismaili Geets recorded in India 2000

Oos Zamaane Ki – Ghazals recorded in India 2000

Chuntikaadhela Bhajano – Bhajans recorded in India 2000

Jashne Jubilee (with his children Rosemin & Riyaz and grandson Imran)

Jalsaa (Ghazals Live in LA)

Along with numerous cassettes of his live concerts with singers such as Jaishree & Khursheed.

Shamshu has also arranged and directed music for several albums including: Makumbusho za Unguja, Melodious Ginans, Mehfil-e-Ginan, Ginan Mushaida, Shaan-e-Karimi Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 etc.

JollyGul.com wishes to acknowledge Aly Sunderji for providing above profile text of the late Shamshu Jamal. Shamshu’s loss will not only be felt by his near and dear ones, His passing is a great loss for Global Ismaili Community.

Acha chalta hoon (Alright, I’m leaving now)

Duaaon mein yaad rakhna (Please remember me in your prayers)

Mere zikr ka zubaan pe swaad rakhna (keep the taste of my name on your tongue)

****Shamshu Jamal’s Geets & Ginans on JollyGul.com****

As a special tribute, JollyGul.com has just launched Shamshu Jamal’s website on its hosting platform. The Jamat can now conveniently play and enjoy all his wonderful devotional geets and ginan recitations in one place.

JollyGul.com audio player displays synchronized line by line lyrics and translations for some of Shamshu’s most popular geets and ginans.

Please start enjoying Shamshu’s singing on your computer or smartphone by clicking on the link provided below.

https://www.jollygul.com/shamshu-jamal/
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Poem by Maryam Habib: A Nightmare (#AustraliaFires)

“A Nightmare” (Australian Fire)

A nightmare so scary

The night is no more starry

My heaven is burning

The sorrow is returning

Their tears are falling

Like crystals, they’re bawling

My heart is so melting

My people are sweating

Our home sweet homes

Our loved ones are unknown

The bush we had is now fire

Our suffering is now higher

The pure sky once we had

The smoke is torturing it now so bad

Our bridge for me is symbol of love

And now it’s hidden, smoke is above

The news was love once entire

But now it’s titled “Australian Fire”

Our species were once full of joy

And now their happiness is destroyed

The Twitter is full of hashtag “fire”

Open the tag and you’ll be crier

What you’ll see these days driven

Is the ambulance on with siren

Our sky is as red as the blood

Our dust is now a bloody mud

All I mentioned above is still less

To describe how much my heart badly aches

Dear Australians,

Nightmares are not for-ever

But we Aussies are always together

This nightmare will come to an end

And our Heaven will surely rise again💚

~Maryam
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Maryam Habib is a 16 year old student from Afghanistan currently residing in Sydney, Australia.

Per media reports, Australia is being ravaged by the worst wildfires seen in decades, with large swathes of the country devastated since the fire season began in late July.

A total of 27 people have died nationwide, and in the state of New South Wales (NSW) alone, more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged. State and federal authorities are struggling to contain the massive blazes, even with firefighting assistance from other countries, including the United States.

All this has been exacerbated by persistent heat and drought, and many point to climate change as a factor making natural disasters go from bad to worse.

/ismailimail.blog/2020/01/10/poem-by-maryam-habib-a-nightmare-australiafires/
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Kamal Haji

Songwriter, Producer and Performer


JollyGul.com has launched Kamal Haji's website on its hosting platform. The Jamat can now conveniently play and enjoy all his devotional songs in one place.

JollyGul.com audio player displays synchronized line by line lyrics and translations for some of Kamal's most popular songs.

The website has the following sections: Profile, Audios, Videos, Gallery (Pics), Updates and a Contact Form.

Please start enjoying Kamal's wonderful songs on your computer or smartphone by clicking on the link below.

https://www.jollygul.com/kamal-haji/

*******
Kamal Haji - Profile

Kamal Haji is a songwriter, producer and performer with focus on devotional and Sufi content. Kamal is a data-scientist by profession, with an MBA from University of Houston and has been passionately pursuing music since his college days.

Kamal is originally from Pakistan and came to the USA in the 1990s to pursue his education. He now lives in Houston, Texas.

Kamal has collaborated with numerous world renowned artists like Salim-Sulaiman, Ustaad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Maher Zain, Jonita Gandhi, Jatin-Lalit, Tahira Syed, Alamgir, Ali Haider, Sahira Naseem, Shazia Khushak, Tehseen Javaid, Saleem Javaid, Arshad Mehmood, Azhar Hussain, M. Ifrahim and Cupid to name a few.

The Jamat will recollect two very popular songs with lyrics written by Kamal Haji. "Jubilee Mubarak" Diamond Jubilee song by Salim Sulaiman in multiple languages with participation of artists from across the community in different countries. And "Padharo Mawla" was sung by Ustaad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan which was also performed live at the grand finale of Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Lisbon.

And more recently Kamal Haji wrote, composed and produced "Together We Win" to celebrate Ismaili athletes and "Ismaili Games" being played around the world.

Here are some other notable achievements of Kamal Haji:

* During Diamond Jubilee Year Kamal released his first Solo Album called "Reflections", which went to become one of the most successful albums of DJ year. The songs from this album have been featured in many official videos on the.ismaili website as well as played on the local radio stations in Houston, TX during Khushiali Celebrations.

* Kamal wrote and composed the official Diamond Voyage / Journey camp song for ITREB USA. This song is also part of the "Reflections" album

* Kamal also co-wrote, co-composed and co-produced USA's Official Diamond Jubilee Song, as well as, the One Jamat Dance Music Piece. These musical numbers were played and performed in every major celebration all across the United States during the momentous year.

* In 2019, Kamal collaborated with Maher Zain, an internationally renowned, Muslim Singer/Songwriter, on the song "Ya Khuda", produced and composed by Salim-Sulaiman. Kamal wrote the Urdu lyrics of the song. This song has become one of the most popular Islamic songs of the modern age with over 4 million views and counting.

Kamal also actively participates in community initiatives with focus on Devotional Musical Content, Community Outreach, Inter-faith Programs, Youth Choir and Seniors Band. He is the Lead and Creative-Director of South Asian Fusion Band, Zikr Band, Southwest Ismaili Band and Ismaili Matki Band For Seniors.
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Ya Ali Mushkil Kusha | Track 02 | Zariya | Album | Natasha Baig

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo

YA ALI MUSHKIL KUSHA CONCEPT:

She has decided to embark upon a journey leading to divinity without thinking about the consequences and hurdles she might face on the way. Through ‘Ya Ali Mushkil Kusha’ she is pleading for help. She has choosen the path yet clueless on how to sustain her sanity in a world where she has faced turbulence, uncountable times. It is difficult to ignore the worldly disturbances while keeping one’s focus on the spiritual path. But truth only lies as close to you as your jugular vein. And that is realized after she feels the balance within.

Lyrics:

YA ALI MUSHKIL KUSHA
MUSHKIL KUSHAI KIJIE

AE MERE HAJAT RAWA, HAJAT RAWAI KIJIE

YA ALI MUSHKIL KUSHA

APP KE WASILE SE, SAARE HAIN YEH SILSILE
BANDHI HUE HAI AAP SE, SAARI KI SAARI HAJITEIN
MUSIBATUN KI MAAR SE, HUMKO BACHATE JAIYEY

YA ALI MUSHKIL KUSHA

MUSTAFA KA WASTA, MUJTABA KA WASTA
HASSAN O HUSSAIN KE WASTE
DARD O ALAM KE RAASTE
MUSIBATUN KI MAAR SE, HUMKO BACHATE JAEYE

YA ALI MUSHKIL KUSHAMUSHKIL KUSHAI KIJIE

*****
Coke Studio Season 11| Shikwa/Jawab-e-Shikwa| Natasha Baig, Fareed Ayaz & Abu Muhammad Qawwal

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo


The hard-hitting emotions of #ShikwaJawabEShikwa come to life as Fareed Ayaz, Abu Muhammad Qawwal & Brothers are joined by Natasha Baig in this new intense melody. Their unique rendition explores the genre of rock and the signature sound of qawwali in this one of a kind track.
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Our Artists, Our Heroes: Irfan Gowani

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Irfan Gowani
Poet & Lyricist

JollyGul.com has launched Irfan Gowani's website on its hosting platform. The Jamat can now conveniently play and enjoy his devotional songs with his beautiful Urdu lyrics and English translations displayed at the same time. There are a total of 7 songs to mark the Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Hazar Imam all sung by Taufiq Karmali and of these 2 are sung jointly by Taufiq and Abida Parveen.

This is a timely launch for Irfan's 60th birthday coming up on February 15th. The idea to spring a surprise on Irfan for his 60th came from his friends Taufiq and Nasreen Karmali. We jumped on the idea and all started working with Irfan's wife Shelina to gather content for this stealth project. So there is a chance you are seeing this even before Irfan!

The website has the following sections: Profile, Audios, Gallery (Pics), Updates and a Contact Form.

Please start enjoying Irfan's wonderful poetry delivered through some of the most popular songs on your computer or smartphone by clicking on the link below.
https://www.jollygul.com/irfan-gowani/
Irfan Gowani - Profile

Irfan was born in Karachi, Pakistan. The youngest of seven children, he had many "parents" during his formative years. The majority of his life he's lived in the U.S with most of that being in Seattle, Washington. His working life has primarily been at Microsoft in various roles: Developer, Software Designer, Program Manager and now, consulting on projects via his company Poetic Logic.

A devoted father to two sons, Jebraan and Faiz, and an ardent husband to Shelina whom he's been married to for over 30+ years. An excellent cook, creating fusion dishes that take the best of French cooking (sauces) and Pakistani favorites Nihari/Bihari kebabs, Kadai chicken and coming up with original recipes such as Creamy Mango chicken.

Irfan's two other loves in life – Urdu poetry and fly-fishing. He's been doing both since a young man and many have appreciated his Urdu poetry acumen. During Golden Jubilee (2007/8), Irfan penned several ghazals and azaad nazams, five of which were showcased in a two volume CD pack titled Suneharaa Saal, with the title of the CD pack from his azaad nazam Suneharaa Saal. The ‘Queen of Sufi’ music singer Abida Parveen and good friend Taufiq sang and recorded Irfan's ghazals and nazams for this Suneharaa Saal CD. Irfan was again honored to write and have Taufiq sing and record two of his ghazals for Diamond Jubilee (2017/18).

Irfan's introspective time is when he's fly-fishing, knee-deep in a river, one with nature!

https://www.jollygul.com/irfan-gowani/
kmaherali
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Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Jubilee Arts legacy lives on in Syria

The Syrian Jamat commemorated Imamat Day in 2019 by reminiscing about Jubilee Arts during an event where artists came together to perform traditional songs and dances, demonstrating dedication, passion, and excellence in their performances.

The atmosphere was diverse, with Ismailis and others sharing happiness and joy on this special occasion. Attendees praised the celebration which was inaugurated by the Jubilee Arts bands on the first day. On the second day, the musician Muhammad Othman — a nominee for the Aga Khan Music Award — presented an enthralling show.

On the final day of the event, Takkaat — a well-known band composed of five Ismaili artists who met through Jubilee Arts, and were part of the Syrian contingent at the International Arts Festival — spread an atmosphere of excitement among the audience. The number of spectators reached 2,500 each day.

The folk arts group highlighted the diversity of the community, presenting cultural dances of different countries including Syria, India, Tajikistan, Egypt, Pakistan, and Iran.

The International Jubilee Arts programme launched in 2017 during Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee year, offering a unique platform for the Jamat around the world to showcase and share their artistic talents.

In Syria, Jubilee Arts groups were formed, including folk arts, children’s choir, adult choir, and an orchestra, reflecting the rich history of the region. After the International Arts Festival held in Lisbon in July 2018, the number of Ismaili artists in Syria has increased, with the offering of intensive training and rehearsals organised by the Ismaili Council.

The audience were excited to attend the Jubilee Arts performances in different cities within Syria, and were eager to see the shows, which shine a spotlight on the traditions and cultures of the country. The celebration also called on a whole host of volunteers, artists, trainers and supervisors who worked tirelessly day and night to make the occasion memorable.

https://the.ismaili/jubilee-arts/jubile ... -173435533

******
Video: Jubilee Arts legacy lives on in Syria

After the International Arts Festival held in Lisbon in July 2018, the number of Ismaili artists in Syria has increased, with the offering of intensive training and rehearsals organised by the Ismaili Council. A host of artists came together to perform on the occasion of Imamat Day in 2019.

Video:

https://the.ismaili/jubilee-arts/video- ... ives-syria
kmaherali
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Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

"A Letter to Mawla" Geet - Abida Parveen & Taufiq Karmali (Valentine's Day 2020 Special)
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Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo

JollyGul.com presents, in a video format, a very popular Golden Jubilee devotional geet "Ik Khat Likhenge Ham, Mawlaa Ke Naam" (A letter we shall write, To Mawla) sung by the Queen of Sufi Music Abida Parveen and the much adored and respected Taufiq Karmali. This is to mark Valentine's Day 2020 and to express our collective profound love for our Imam-e-Zaman.

The beautiful and touching Urdu lyrics of this song were written by Irfan Gowani and the memorable musical composition was done by Mujahid Hussain. The song was part of the Golden Jubilee Album "Suneharaa Saal".

The video is presented with running lyrics and English translations.
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Instrumental Music Service
Let the music do the "talking"

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JollyGul.com has launched an instrumental music service where melodies of some popular ginans, geets and songs are played without any vocals (lyrics).

There are times when a listener may just be in a mood to relax, reflect or meditate and prefers music only - without any words. Instrumental music also allows more room for abstract emotional state and thoughts leaving more leeway for the imagination of the listener.

Start enjoying Homayoun Sakhi, a celebrated rubab virtuoso, brilliantly play the Ismaili Anthem on the Afghan musical instrument. Listen to Kamal Haji's popular song "Allah". Relax to the wonderful Burushaski title "Ya Ali Madad". And feel the tranquility of the melody of Pir Hasan Kabiruddin's "Kaachee Chhe Kaayaa" ginan on the piano and "Jogi So Jo Juga Jug Jogi" on the flute. And there is much more.

JollyGul.com "Instrumental Music" service can be accessed by clicking on the link below.

https://www.jollygul.com/instrumental-only/
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Aga Khan |Diamond Jubilee| weheartist|Sami Yusuf|Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum
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Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tIUQ07 ... e=emb_logo
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Jashnee Almass diamond jubilee Afghanistan
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Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo

Jashnee Almass (Celebrating Diamond Jubilee – Afghanistan)

Jashnee Almass (Celebrating Diamond Jubilee) is a great song from Afghan Ismaili Jamat to mark Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee.

Artists: Nik Bakht Safary, Nafisa Waizy, Najibullah Shirzad, Nizar Husain Feroze, Abdul Karim Fazly
Lyrics: Ruknudin Erfani
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Aly Sunderji
Composer, Singer & Producer


JollyGul.com has launched Aly Sunderji's website on its hosting platform. The Jamat can now conveniently play and enjoy all Aly's devotional geets, ginans and granths in one place.

JollyGul.com audio player displays synchronized line by line lyrics and translations for some of Aly's most popular titles.

Listen to the following wonderful specially recommended titles with running lyrics and translations (they appear on the top 5 positions on the audio player):

* Aly Charano Maa(n), Chhe Apaar Sukh (By bowing down to the Imam Aly's feet - submission - there is boundless joy). Lyrics by Aitmadi Sultan V. Noormahomed.

* Chhalaachhal Premna Pyaala (Full to the brim, the chalice overflows with the ambrosia of love). Lyrics by Suman.

* Anuraage-e-vaage chhe baa(n)sur (From the bansuri - flute - flows the sweet colors of love). Lyrics by Suman.

* Nihurumie Nisaidie (Have mercy and help me) - a devotional song in Kiswahili language sung in bhajan style. Lyrics by Anaar Kanji.

* Salawaat (Allahuma Salli Ala Muhammadiw Wa Aal-e-Muhammad) recited with music by Aly Sunderji & Taufiq Karmali.

Please start enjoying all of Aly's wonderful recitations (including the above 5 special titles) on your computer or smartphone by clicking on the link below. You have a choice of over 350 recitations!
Aly Sunderji - Profile

Aly is a man of many talents and wide ranging interests. Aly's musical journey started as a child. He is fully versed in Indian classical music, including bhajans (devotional songs), kirtan, haveli sangeet as well as in Sufi & Bhakti music in addition to Rajasthani and Gujarati folksongs.

For Aly, music is Ibaadat; a narrative between man and God. Music is his way of praising, yearning, imploring, and conversing with the Creator.

From the time Aly commenced his formal training in music, he developed the skills of composing music. Initially it was folk music, but in recent years it has become more classical and bhakti music. This includes the composition of some of Hassanally Rammal's (Suman) lyrics that he presented for the Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam in 2017.

For Golden Jubilee, Aly had produced a CD of Sufi poems in honor of Hazar Imam.

Aly's immense pioneering efforts over many years in giving exposure to Ismaili artists on his hugely successful YouTube channel deserves special mention.

In his alternate persona as “The Mithai Man”, Aly loves spending time in the kitchen making culinary delights.

Aly is also a devoted teacher and gives his seva as a ginan trainer. He has recorded about 300 ginans to date and plans to record all ginans (totaling about 1,000) during his lifetime. Inshallah.

Aly lives in Vancouver, Canada.

Listen here:

https://www.jollygul.com/Aly-Sunderji/
kmaherali
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Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Ishq Kamal: عشق کمال : Love Supreme
Kalam/Poetry Hazrat Baba Bulleh Shah (R.A)
Artist and Composition: Dr. Karim Gillani
DOP : Ali Zain & Karim Gillani


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo

Music: Sufi Music Ensemble
Produced and Edited: Dr. Karim Gillani
Talented Sufi Dancers: Sara & Muskaan Visram
Dance Choreographer: Sarah Virji

Accomplished Musicians of Sufi Music Ensemble
Stephen Tchir: Bass Guitar
Ojas Joshi: Tabla, Udu
Altaz Ibrahim: Keyboards
Morteza Abedinifard: Tar
Dr. Deepak Paramashiyan: Sarangi
Farhad Khosravi: Santur
Eric Tombs: Saxophone
Justin Massey: Saxophone

Background Vocals
Ramya Manasa Kandala
Nitya Iyer
Hasha Sasitharan
Faisal Mashood Afridi
Dr. Deepak Paramashiyan
Mukund Krishnan
Abhishek Iyer

Doug Organ Recording Engineer, Edmontone Studio, Edmotnon, Canada
Mike Fossenkemper Mastered at Turtle Tone Studio, New York, USA

Special Thanks & Gratitude
Edmonton Arts Council
University of Alberta
Muttart Conservatory
Alberta Legislature Building
Amin Ghaziani
Shemina Visram & Family
Shazia Gillani & Family
Professor Tanya Harnett
Faisal Tamanna
Phil Musani

Many thanks for watching and supporting! Stay tuned for
more creative endeavours & soulful musical productions!

Please subscribe to Karim Gillani's official Youtube Channel

Poem in Punjabi: Hazrat Baba Bulleh Shah (RA)

Translation in English:

After reading several books, you have earned a title of Judge (Qazi)
After wielding the sword, you have named yourself the warrior (Gazi)
After visiting Mecca & Madina you have proudly proclaimed yourself a pilgrim (Haaji)
You have gained nothing Bulleh, if your Beloved is not pleased with you! (Raazi)

Those who have found love supreme, they sing and dance out of tune.

Those who have worn the garb of love, they are blessed from the top above.
The moment they drink from the cup of love, they ask no questions, receive no rebuff.

Those who have the lover in their hearts, they set for them their life apart.
They care not for music nor for measure, they play with them just for eternal pleasure.

Bulleh Shah (RA) has arrived at his Master's town, all the false notes are drowned.
He talks of truth to those who are truthful, those who have attained the bliss of the beautiful.

Those who have found love supreme, they sing and dance out of tune.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Alastu Bi-Rabbikum/Living With Purpose
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Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeZahmD ... e=emb_logo

This song is a conversation with the Universe/Higher Power/Creator. Based on Quranic imagery of the Primordial Covenant that has a primary significance in Islamic mystical traditions (Sufism/Tassawwuf), "Alastu birabbikum" (Am I not your Lord?) the title and chorus of the song situates Shumaila Hemani aka Oak Tree in her faith of upbringing: Islam. Since according to the Islamic story of creation, Allah asked the human soul “Am I not your Lord?” and the human soul replied, “Indeed, you are!” this song relates to the destined purpose of the human soul and inspires people towards Living with Purpose.

Situated within an era of extreme transitions in human life on the planet: Earth, these songs hope to inspire people to realize their purpose to serve humanity.
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Navroz Na Din (Instrumental) | Zohaib Ghulam Hussain
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Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo

In the midst of this global chaos, I hope this music piece brings the joy and colors of Navroz to everyone's heart - Navroz Mubarak!

*****
Navroz Mubarak 2020 - One Jamat Now More then Ever!

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn-pJbzINbM

Portugal and Canadá United for the international Ismaili Jamat - One Jamat, One Voice!
Vocals: Shaheena Karim, Aly Sunderji & Celina Dhanani.
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

The Jubilee Arts effect: Promoting art and culture in India

Since early 2016, the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board (AKYSB) in India has been working to promote the arts among young members of the Jamat through the development of a dedicated Arts and Culture portfolio. Curated by winners from the National Jubilee Arts event, AKYSB’s programmes in dance, music, and photography are nurturing an engagement with art and culture at an early age.

“The art you create is first formed in your mind,” said Rahim Panjwani, a student of engineering from Surendranagar in Saurashtra. Rahim is a former participant of Shutterbug, one of the programmes in AKYSB’s Arts and Culture portfolio. The programme is one amongst AKYSB’s many initiatives to make art education accessible, affordable, and aspirational for the India Jamat, especially in smaller towns like Surendranagar where opportunities to pursue the arts can be limited.

Unveiled in 2016 at the Youth Awards for Excellence by Indian music stalwarts Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, the Arts and Culture portfolio was designed to introduce art education to youth between the ages of 6 and 25 years. In its first year alone, the portfolio has involved over 200 young Ismailis through three flagship programmes: Shutterbug, Music Matters, and Dance Studio; while initiatives for other art forms such as filmmaking and the fine arts are in the process of being developed.

“I believe that each one of us has art in us, waiting to be explored,” said Nazim Lokhandwala, a Mumbai-based photographer, and one of the many artists helping curate programmatic content for AKYSB. A runner-up at the National Jubilee Arts event for graphic design and with over 30 years of experience in event and architectural photography, Nazim has been associated with AKYSB since 2018. Along with Sohil Lalani, a fashion photographer, Nazim has been the architect of AKYSB’s photography programme for youth. Affectionately called ‘Shutterbug’, the initiative helps youth discover the world around them from behind the camera lens.

In line with Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance, the inaugural Jubilee Arts International Arts Festival in July 2018 has played a catalytic role in cultivating, developing, and promoting artistic endeavour in the global Jamat. In India in particular, it has helped change the perception of the arts amongst parents by demonstrating that youth can build a promising, professional, and rewarding career in the arts. The aspirational value of the international recognition from Jubilee Arts gave the Arts and Culture Portfolio in India the momentum it needed.

“The Jamat has received a taste for art, now we need to give them the recipe,” quips Al Qawi Nanavati, another Jubilee Arts-winning artist that is collaborating with AKYSB to develop an upcoming fine arts initiative. Al Qawi graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago and practices art that deconstructs the essence of spiritual contemplation, prayer, and other practices through a range of mediums including printmaking. Having previously taught children at the Metropolitan Schoolhouse in Chicago, she reflects on the importance of art for their holistic development.

“Art education opens up your mind to new ways of thinking and perceiving. It encourages creativity and abstract thinking; an absolute necessity in the Indian education system, where a straight line is a straight line, an apple is an apple, and the sky is always blue. Children need to learn that the sky could also be pink!”

Studies have shown that art education promotes the growth of multiple intelligences in children: spatial, linguistic, and logical. It helps improve cognitive function, boosts memory, and helps moderate emotional states. It also encourages critical thinking and helps children articulate their thoughts.

“I noticed a tremendous change in my daughter after a month of enrolling her for The Dance Studio with Shiamak Dawar,” said Parveen Khimani, the mother of nine-year-old Heena from Hyderabad. “Through dance, she became more focused, learnt how to work in a team, learnt coordination, and developed a newfound spirit of competitiveness that I am sure will stick with her throughout her life.”

Art not only helps children succeed in life, it also helps them cope with challenges and stress that come with cut-throat competition and the pervasive nature of social media.

“I like playing an instrument after my tuition classes in the evening or after I complete my homework. It relaxes me and helps soothe my mind,” said eight-year-old Azhaan Noorani, a participant of AKYSB’s Music Matters programme held in Mumbai.

In the Indian context in particular, these programmes are vital. Intimidated by the struggle that comes with choosing unconventional careers and their seemingly low incomes, most parents find it difficult to encourage the idea of a professional career in the arts. Fortunately, that is a trend that is now changing.

“While I was growing up, photography was expensive and the lack of financial resources was a major hurdle for me to fulfil my dreams,” said Nazim. “But today, the equipment is easily available, the opportunities are multifold and the chances for success and for earning a living are much higher than before. All they need is guidance.”

Events such as photo walks, music “jams,” and opportunities to perform at Shiamak Dawar’s annual Summer Funk, ensure that the intervention is not just limited to classes. Participants are given chances to showcase their talent to a wider audience and gain industry exposure.

“After attending Shutterbug, I feel confident enough to pursue photography as a viable alternate career. I have always been interested in photography but I was unable to find short courses that provided theoretical knowledge along with practical exposure in Saurashtra,” said Rahim.

Across the Arts and Culture portfolio, AKYSB,I’s goals are simple: to provide high quality programmes in partnership with industry leaders. Therefore, for ‘Music Matters’, AKYSB partnered with the Furtados School of Music, an organisation that runs more than 200 in-school programmes reaching over 100,000 students with a Trinity College-aligned curriculum. Similarly, their dance studio is taught by teachers from the Shiamak Davar Dance Academy, the premier institution for learning dance, with over 60 centres in India and 100 schools globally.

“It has become increasingly important to introduce art in the lives of children. They must be encouraged to try everything; to get their hands dirty,” said Nazim. The classes are conducted within Jamatkhana premises, demonstration classes are made available, and children are encouraged to get a feel for the artform before enrolling for classes.

In the future, AKYSB hopes to combine all of the Portfolio’s endeavours at the local, regional, and national art festivals. As Sulaiman Lakdawala, member of the AKYSB explains, “The vision of the Arts and Culture Portfolio is to not only make art a part of everyday life for the Jamat, but to also enable them to pursue excellence irrespective of their means or where they are from.”

Photos at:

https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... -173435533
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Bollywood Dance for Kids - Warm-up Dance Routine

Led by Bollywood dance instructor and Arts Governance member for Burundi Aziza Jaffer.

Video:

https://the.ismaili/kenya/bollywood-dan ... ce-routine

*******
Music video: Say a Prayer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sRi7Kf2p3k
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Talent Show

An annual event organised by the Arts and Culture Department, under the umbrella of Women’s Activities Portfolio of Mozambique.

Last October was an artful month where several members of Maputo and Matola Jamat engaged in a joyful and revealing event.

The objective of the Talent Show is to explore the talent existing in our Jamat as well as expose the Jamat to different forms of arts and culture. This year the show comprised of 51 participants, from ages 13 to 45, that performed for an audience of 260 Jamati members, including interfaith families. The main forms of art represented this year were the different dance styles and some music.

Region represented in the form of dance varied from Kashmir, to Northern Pakistan, India, North America and Europe. Teenagers, ladies and gentlemen came together for an entertainment evening.

The music, mainly with European influence were interpreted by the young members of our Jamat who played some classical pieces on the keyboard. A growing talent that had the opportunity to perform and demonstrate newly acquired skills, come of them through self-learning methods.

We also had the pleasure to listen to musical medleys of old and new Indian songs by a group of women and men of different ages of our Jamat.

The favourite and surprising performance of a group of men of a wide age range and different backgrounds caught the audience’s attention while doing the “Lazy Dance” – a dramatic performance, extremely engaging, full of music and expression with minimal body movement. Worth repeating!

The show also counted on an external group who performed other dance styles with the objective to increase the richness of the programme as well as to expose the Jamat to other forms of dancing.

Photos at:

https://the.ismaili/mozambique/the-isma ... alent-show
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Our Artists, Our Heroes: Fez Meghani

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Fez Meghani
Singer, Songwriter & Producer
JollyGul.com has launched Fez Meghani's website on its hosting platform. The Jamat can now conveniently play and enjoy all Fez's devotional geets and songs in one place.

The website has the following sections: Profile, Audios, Gallery (Pics), Videos and a Contact Form.

Please start enjoying all of Fez Meghani's wonderful songs on JollyGul.com website platform on your computer (link below) or through the JollyGul.com On-Demand Smartphone App.

If you do not have the green color App installed on your smartphone, links to the Google Play Store (for Android phones) and Apple App Store (for iPhones) are provided below. The Apps are free of charge and will not take more than a minute to instal and will greatly enhance your listening experience.

Fez Meghani- Profile

Fez Meghani is an Ismaili Muslim American singer, songwriter and producer, whose music focuses on conveying values of hope, peace, love, generosity and kindness. Over the course of the last 16 years he has produced 5 musical albums that traverse a mystical landscape of spirituality, love and devotion.

Fez is best known for the exhilarating and runaway hit Golden Jubilee album titled, “A Golden Sunrise”, which contained songs such as ‘Mawla Tu Hi Tu Hai’, ‘Kab Aate Ho?’, ‘Golden Hai, Golden Hai’ and ‘Allahumma Salli Alaa’.

Besides his focus on composing and producing, Fez also travels around the nation, speaking at conferences, conducting workshops and facilitating sessions on the role, diversity and impact of music in Islam and Muslim societies.

Along with his band The Sufistics, comprised of long-time musical collaborators Aftab Ali and Pervaiz Mirza, he has performed numerous shows to audiences as large as 30,000 all over North America and Southeast Asia, including the Islamic Music Festival (2010 and 2011) in Kuala Lumpur, attended in person by the Queen of Malaysia. Together, they have also performed at the Special Olympics in 2015, held in Los Angeles, California. In December of 2014 and 2015, the band headlined the “Ishq-e-Noor’ and ‘Ishq-e-Ali’ tours, a series of 9 intimate performances at the newly opened Ismaili Center Toronto, where they collaborated with instrumentalists from the award-winning “Life of Pi” soundtrack.

In 2019, they completed one of their most definitive and critically acclaimed concert series titled "Expressions Of Love", a flagship program of ITREB USA, with 49 performances across 20 cities in the USA. A revised version of this program titled "Ibaarat-e-Ishq" was just recently performed by them in Tajikistan with 2 concerts at the Ismaili Center Dushanbe and 2 concerts held at the Khorog Jamatkhana & Ismaili Center.

Currently, they are on tour with a newly formatted performance titled "Woh Din: Memories of the Mulaqaat" with recent performances concluded in Calgary and Dubai, the latter being at the Ismaili Center Dubai. This tour has been paused for now because of COVID-19 with the focus on virtual concerts for the time being.

Fez Meghani has also produced "Diamonds In The Sky", one of the official Diamond Jubilee musical albums. It contains newly popularized songs such as 'It's Diamond Jubilee!’, 'Mawla Mawla' and the viral hit, 'Aa Raha Hai'.

In addition to the core group, The Sufistics also consists of accomplished guest musicians who have performed all over the world including Europe, South Asia and Australia.

Listen here:

https://www.jollygul.com/fez-meghani/
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

How “Prayer Corona” is Helping to Spread Light in a Dark Time
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As the coronavirus outbreak casts a shadow of fear and confusion across the world, one musician is easing the anxiety by spreading love to communities with his soulful melodies and soothing messages. Faisal Amlani is a beacon of light in a very dark time. Now, with his latest tune, “Prayer Corona”, the Melbourne-based performer is able to communicate the unknowable and convey a sense of hope to the world, at a time when it matters most…

Around the world, communities are turning to music to gently caress the unexpected aches that have coasted in with the coronavirus crisis. From apartment block sing-a-longs, to YouTube parodies, melodies in all kinds of chords and crescendos are coming into creation, offering a unique way to cope. Indeed, music is the universal language. It expresses infinitely to all, just as it beckons social cohesion and promises comfort. For Sufi-Pop singing sensation, Faisal Amlani, this therapeutic potential of music is exactly what led him to create “Prayer Corona”.

If you haven’t had the chance to listen to “Prayer Corona” just yet, the first thing you’ll discern is the power of beautiful music to heal. The song – composed by the Australian-Pakistani performer to capture the enigmatic sentiments surrounding the pandemic – features humble prayers recited by Faisal to the Almighty in his signature soft-textured tones, while the soothing sounds of an accompanying woodwind symphony almost instantly dissolve any weight of anxiety. The melody is tender and infectious. It permeates a lingering sense that we are not alone and that everything will be ok.

Faisal’s track was released worldwide last month, and surely enough, the song swiftly surged to viral status on social media, nodding humbly to the singer’s intention to write an uplifting piece that would resonate with individuals worldwide and provide relief in the current climate. “Music has the power to change lives,” Faisal acknowledges. The vocalist, who has always remained modest about his talent, upholds the belief that if you’ve been blessed with something so special, “you have to use it to benefit others in every possible way”. Indeed, echoing this sentiment, the Aga Khan Development Network Foundation edited “Prayer Corona” to come up with their own version to share with Ismailis globally – which can be viewed here.

Since the original song’s release, an outpouring of appreciation from countries far and wide has followed in its path. “I have received messages of appreciation from all around the world telling me just how much this song changed people’s lives and developed their trust in God in this pandemic situation,” Faisal conveys. The gratitude-filled star says it is this feedback that has always inspired him to write and perform more.

Nevertheless, this isn’t the first time Faisal’s music has so powerfully connected with people across borders or showcased artistic brilliance. The talented vocalist’s repertoire features many other popular tracks, including “Saheb Ji” and cover songs “Dil Diyan Gallan” and “Kisi Se Pyar”. He recently took to the stage with the big names of showbiz, including Sonu Nigam, legendary singer K.K, Kumar Sanu, and Udit Narayan. You may also remember him from the Official Diamond Jubilee song, “Jubilee Mubarak”, performing alongside famous Bollywood music composers, Salim-Sulaiman – which has more than a million views on YouTube.

Currently, as the coronavirus pandemic forces confinement to our homes, the living room has now become the concert hall for Faisal. But this hasn’t stopped him from connecting with the world and spreading his messages of hope. Turning to the online sphere, virtual concerts have now become the norm for the musician. The first of these, curated by the Aga Khan Youth & Sports Board in Pakistan,had over 2,000 viewers watching Faisal on – a testament, once more, to the therapeutic potential of music and indeed the old adage that even in dark times, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

As the pandemic persists, for Faisal, the message is clear – we must continue to support each other, even if it’s a simple a phone call to say hello, because together, we will overcome this darkness.

https://the.ismaili/anz/how-%E2%80%9Cpr ... -dark-time

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sRi7Kf ... e=youtu.be
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

What a Wonderful World ft. Canadian Ismaili Artists

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo

During a time of uncertainty and new experiences, let this be a simple reminder of the limitless world we live in and the beautiful wonders we witness every single day. A musical piece dedicated to everyone featuring artists and creators from across the Canadian Ismaili Jamat.
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Fez Meghani's "Ya Ali Madad" Song With 3D Animation

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_XE4mD ... e=youtu.be

JollyGul.com presents Fez Meghani's popular Diamond Jubilee song "Ya Ali Madad - In the Crib Style" with 3D animation.
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Our Artists, Our Heroes: Kamal Taj

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JollyGul.com has launched Kamal Taj's website on its hosting platform. The Jamat can now conveniently play and enjoy all Kamal's melodious devotional geets in one place.

The website has the following sections: Profile, Audios, Gallery (Pics), Videos and a Contact Form.

Please start enjoying all of Kamal Taj's wonderful songs on JollyGul.com website platform on your computer (link below) or through the JollyGul.com On-Demand Smartphone App. Some of his most popular titles (including "Allahumma Salli Ala" and "Wo Shaam Mujhe Yaad Aaye") play with lyrics display.

https://www.jollygul.com/kamal-taj/
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Ya Allah - You are the One

In this song, the children of the global Jamat express their wishes, and their thanks to Allah for the grace and blessings in our lives.

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Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... zyLUAMW29E
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Maalik Mere | Official Video | Salim Sulaiman | Team 07 | Raj Pandit | Vipul Mehta | Salman Ali

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Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo

As was tradition, we had planned on working on the Eid song back in March. But come mid-March, we all went under lockdown and it kept on extending. It didn’t keep us from doing what we were determined to.
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

The Festival of Eid: Music with Kamal Haji
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Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHrGea0 ... e=emb_logo

Welcome to Day 7 of Asia Society Texas Center's Festival of Eid: A Virtual Celebration, presented by the Tameez Family. As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, enjoy a special musical performance comprised of South Asian folk tunes by Kamal Haji!
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Ao Hamare Des - Sandes - Nazia Amin Mohammad

Come to our country...

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Zildjian LIVE! - Sarah Thawer

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Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiRIJeD ... e=emb_logo
kmaherali
Posts: 25105
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Shukrana Virtual Concert | Pakistan Ismaili Musical Ensemble | The Ismaili Tv

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__2Xmle ... e=emb_logo
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