Warsi Brothers
Naseer and Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi are among the finest living custodians of traditional qawwali in the Indian subcontinent.
India
Ewallop Asia Society
ARTIST INFORMATION | Warsi Brothers
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Naseer and Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi, known as the Warsi Brothers, are among the finest living custodians of traditional qawwali in the Indian subcontinent. Direct descendants of Amir Khusrau’s 14th-century lineage and trained by their grandfather Padma Shri Aziz Ahmad Khan Warsi, they represent the Delhi Gharana
Naseer and Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi, known as the Warsi Brothers, are among the finest living custodians of traditional qawwali in the Indian subcontinent. Direct descendants of Amir Khusrau’s 14th-century lineage and trained by their grandfather Padma Shri Aziz Ahmad Khan Warsi, they represent the Delhi Gharana’s classical rigour and spiritual depth. As the last qawaal bachhey (children of qawwali), they prioritise preserving Khusrau’s legacy over commercial gain.
Though not blood relatives of the Saami family, the two lineages are connected through intermarriage over centuries, sharing a common spiritual and musical heritage that flows from Amir Khusrau. Based in Hyderabad, the Warsis’ ancestors were court musicians for the Nizam of Hyderabad. Today, the family remains devoted custodians of shrine service and Khusrau’s classical repertoire, while also bringing Khusrau’s legacy to new audiences across India and abroad. Since the 1990s, they have performed at major festivals worldwide. With support, they aim to document their vast repertoire and mentor new generations in order to ensure that their 700-year-old spiritual tradition endures.
Jury citation
"For your energetic preservation and onward transmission of the spiritual and musical legacy of Amir Khusrau to multigenerational audiences at the highest level of musical excellence."
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