RAWALPINDI: Qurban Niazi`s powerful vocals enthralled audience at a performance at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC).

Niazi is a folk singer who sings mostly in Punjabi and songs often incorporate Suñpoetry.

Before the beginning of the performance, the audience prayed for those killed in the Peshawar attack. Qurban Niazi`s grandson Umair Niazi, Saeen Riaz, Ulfat Hussain, Rukhsana, Master Majeed and Wajid Kamran gave presentations on Sufi poetry.

Qurban Niazi then began singing with Sufi poet Bulleh Shah`s melodic Teray Ishq Nachaya, followed by Piya Ghar Aya, the song made popular by the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

The folk tune Sada Chirian Da Chamba which is a daughter`s lament leaving her father`s house was performed next. Niazi`s soulful voice added such emotion to the song that many in the audience were left teary eyed, while the final performance of dhamal had many dancing.

Apart from Bulleh Shah, Niazi also sang verses by other Suß poets such as Shah Hussain, Bedam Warsi, Khawaja Ghulam Fareed, Waris Shah, Sultan Baho and Baba Fareed. He was accompanied by musicians Ulfat Hussain on harmonium, Iqbal Dholi on tabla, Ghulam Ali onkeyboard and Agib on pitcher.

Qurban Niazi has been associated with Radio and Television for more than 45 years and has performed both in Pakistan and abroad.

He has also won many prestigious awards.

Talking to Dawn, RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed said thebasic aim of organising the performance was to promote Sufi poetry.

He said Sufi saints conveyed the message of tolerance, brotherhood and peace in their poetry and there is much to be learnt from them.

He said Qurban Niazi was keeping the musical legacy of his latebrother, the legendary Tufail Niazi, alive.

A large number of people from the twin cities attended the performance including Naheed Manzoor former MPA Ziaullah Shah.

Ziaullah Shah said peace can be achieved by following the tenants of Sufism.