An Evening of Sacred Qawwali with the Warsi Brothers 

Sunday, 19th April 2026
🕢 6 pm
📍 Howard Assembly Room, Leeds
🎟️ Tickets: Standard £25 | Under 30s £10
 

The qawwals traditionally perform at shrines (dargahs) as it serves as both worship and storytelling, carrying verses of saints, poets and mystics. Its call-and-response structure, harmonium-led arrangements and richly layered improvisations demand rigorous training, yet its appeal lies in its emotional accessibility. Over time, qawwali has travelled from shrines to global stages, retaining its devotional core while adapting to contemporary audiences.

The Warsis come from the legendary Qawaal Bachhey lineage. This highly regarded musical family traces its roots to the original ensemble trained by the poet-musician Amir Khusrau, who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries and is widely seen as the founder of qawwali. The Warsi brothers continue to honour this tradition as they faithfully render Hazrat Amir Khusrau's classical repertoire. Their work keeps the centuries-old spiritual and musical heritage alive for new audiences in India and around the world.

As India's renowned artists, the Warsi Brothers- Naseer Ahmed Khan Warsi and Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi- were honoured at the prestigious Aga Khan Music Awards 2025 which was held in London in November 2025 at the South Bank Centre.

In its citation, the jury recognised the duo “for the energetic preservation and onward transmission of the spiritual and musical legacy of Amir Khusrau to multigenerational audiences at the highest level of musical excellence.”

This recognition also comes at a time when traditional music faces challenges from rapid   modernisation. Artists like the Warsi brothers help bridge the past and present by presenting authentic, high-quality performances on national and international stages. Their work ensures that qawwali remains vibrant and relevant for younger generations.

The Warsi Brothers are widely regarded as among the finest living custodians of traditional qawwali in the subcontinent. They trained under their grandfather Padma Shri Aziz Ahmad Khan Warsi, they represent the classical rigour and devotional depth of the Delhi Gharana. Based in Hyderabad, their family has long served as court musicians for the erstwhile Nizam.

The Warsi Brothers' contribution places a spotlight on India's long-standing role as a centre of classical and devotional arts. Their powerful performances, rich vocals, and mastery of classical compositions have made them central figures in the preservation of this art form. Their qawwali performances reflect a tradition rooted in the teachings of Sufism, where music is a form of devotion and spiritual expression.

QAWWALS WARSI BROTHERS:
Naseer Ahmed Khan Warsi - Lead singer/ harmonium

Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi - Lead singer/ harmonium

Aziz Ahmed Khan Warsi – Chorus singer

Murtaza Ahmed Khan Warsi – Chorus singer

Muhtesham Ahmed Khan Warsi - Tabla

Syed Habib - Dholak

Sami Ahmed Khan Warsi – chorus singer

Abdul Bari – chorus singer

An Evening in Leeds
Taking place in Leeds city centre, restaurants such as Tharavadu, Bundobust and The Reliance provide relaxed options for dinner, while cafés and bars around Millennium Square and Leeds Art Gallery offer quieter spaces to unwind. For those wishing to stay immersed in culture, the nearby Leeds Art Gallery and The Henry Moore Institute are within easy walking distance.

Getting There
The Howard Assembly Room is located in the heart of Leeds city centre. Leeds Train Station is approximately a 10 minute walk from the venue, with a clearly signposted route through the city centre. Taxis from the station typically take around 5 minutes, depending on traffic. Numerous bus routes from across Leeds and the surrounding areas stop nearby, including services that run along The Headrow and Woodhouse Lane, both just a short walk from the venue. For those arriving by car, several city centre car parks are within walking distance, including The Light, Woodhouse Lane and Albion Street. Public transport or walking is recommended where possible, particularly during busy evening periods.