Sami Yusuf - Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum (Live)

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DESCRIPTION

Arranged and performed by Sami Yusuf
Words and Music: Traditional Islamic Qawwali from the Indian Subcontinent
Additional composition by Sami Yusuf
Raag: Ahir Bhairav

Although the exact origins of this qawwali are unknown, it is sometimes sung to revere the 12th century Sufi saint, Fariduddin Masud Ganjshakar (or Baba Farid) of the Indian subcontinent. A direct descendant of the second caliph of Islam, ‘Umar ibn Khattab, his poetry is also included in the Guru Granth Sahib — the most sacred scripture of Sikhism. Not only are the verses of this qawwali based on his teachings, but the opening verse of the qawwali, “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum” were the last words Baba Farid uttered. It is related that on the 5th of Muharram, in the year 1266 (according to the Gregorian calendar), Baba Farid became unconscious after the ‘Isha (evening) prayer. When he regained his consciousness, he inquired of those present, “Have I offered my ‘Isha prayer?” Although those present answered in the affirmative, Baba Farid replied, “Let me offer it once more for I may not get another chance.” So, he performed ablution again and offered the ‘Isha prayer a second time. Then he fell unconscious once again. On regaining consciousness, he once more performed his ablution and said the ‘Isha prayer for a third time. Whilst still in prostration, he uttered,“Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum”, and his soul left his body. That is why, for hundreds of years, this qawwali has been sung at the death anniversary of Baba Farid.

*In the original version, the word used here was “Dayyān” but this has been replaced to “Mannān” (The Bestower).

PERFORMERS (From right to left):

Seyyed Mohammad Jaberi: Daf, Bendir, Dayre & vocals
Ömer Avci: Dohol, Bendir, Kudum & vocals
Abbas Karacan: Bass Darabuka, Bendir & Tef
Selim Boyaci: Oud & vocals
Mustafa Olgan: Qanun & vocals
Seyed Ali Jaberi: Tanbour, Tar & vocals
Türker Dinletir: Ney, Zourna & vocals
Adem Tosunoglu: Baglama, Tanbur, Kemançe & vocals
Farshad Mohammadi: Santoor & vocals
Jon Lawton: Classical Guitar, Tanbour & vocals

AND

Sami Yusuf: Vocal, Piano, Tar, Oud & Tonbak

Backing Vocalists (From the right):

Sami Mohammad Ahmad Alhaj: Bass
AbdulRazzak Barma: Baritone
Abeer El Sayed Ahmad: Mezzo-Soprano
Nancy Al Baltaji: Contra-Alto

Qawwali Musicians:

Riaz Hussain
Abbas Ghayoor
Manoj Kumar Moothedath
Haider Ali Hussain Shah
Sudheesh Kakkur
Syed Ali Mehdi Naqvi

THE CONCERT

Recorded and filmed at the Dubai Opera on the 16th of December 2016, this concert explores traditions from over one thousand years of the cultural and sacred music of Andalusia, North Africa, Arabia, Khorasan (Greater Persia) and Asia. Sung in multiple languages (including English, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Punjabi, Azeri), this exhilarating performance by the multi-instrumentalist, composer and renowned singer Sami Yusuf brings together world-class musicians from around the globe to take listeners on a musical journey of discovery.

CREDITS

Executive Producers: Ahmed Salim, Sami Yusuf, Christine Hoechstoetter

Recording Engineer: Peter Herrmann
Mixed and Mastered by Vishnu Rajan @ Andante Studios
Video Editing and Postproduction by Omar Habib @ Andante Studios
Filmed by 2Shoes (London, UK).

Graphic Design & Artwork: Kwame Busia
Additional Graphics & Design: Mahdi Jahangir

Learn More: http://samiyusufofficial.com/live-dubai-opera-out-now/

Published by Andante Records & Administered by Fairwood Music (UK) Ltd for the World

Copyright of Andante Records. All Rights Reserved.

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