IMRAN AZIZ MIAN WEAVES A MAGICAL SPELL
by Fazleen Sohani


An audience numbering over 300 listened with great enthusiasm and fervor to the musical evening of Qawwali presented by Imran Aziz Mian, son of the legendary, Late Aziz Mian Qawwal. The live in concert held for the first time in Atlanta took place at the elegantly designed auditorium of Meadow Creek High School. This show was also the debut event hosted by Radio Humdam along with Mr. Mustafa Ajmeri, a prominent personality involved in organizing various entertainment events in Atlanta.


The carpeted auditorium combined with the splendorous backdrop (courtesy Vandana Malhotra of Vandana Décor) provided the perfect ambience and set the right mood to spellbind the gathering of ghazal

	Mustafa Ajmeri (left) with Aslam Parvez

and qawwali lovers. A large turnout on a rainy Friday evening amply demonstrated that whenever quality entertainment is provided, Atlanta residents will never miss to be present. Aslam Pervez introduced the group to the audience in a befitting manner and provided a few glimpses on the origin and significance of Qawwali and its rightful place in the realm of music.
Imran Aziz Mian along with his four accompanying musicians mesmerized the audience right from the very first qawwali, the popular number, Mankuntu maula. He sang some popular compositions made famous by his legendary father, late Aziz Mian Qawwal. He later followed them up with some of the classics such as Sanu ek pal by the renowned Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Acceding to the polite but persistent demand of audience, the Imran Aziz Mian and his band of singers cancelled the 15-minute recess and continued with the performance uninterruptedly for over 3 hours.


Farooq, an ardent fan of ghazal and qawwali, who was accompanied by his wife, said: “Despite my temporary disability and impaired vision, I wanted to come out and support this incredible effort of Radio Humdam. Imran Aziz Mian was an absolute delight to listen to and an incredible young talent.”

Many others in the audience also mirrored the same sentiments. Before the program commenced, a few were skeptical whether Imran Aziz Mian will measure up to the expectations of the die-hard fans of his late father. But the resounding applause after every qawwali was ample proof that the young talent by immeasurably exceeded the expectations of all the fans of his father.

A well-deserved standing ovation from the audience brought the exciting evening of music to an end.