PERHAPS the most path-breaking British Asian music act of recent years has been the brilliant Orchestral Qawwali Project. The culturally rich group, combining Sufi poetry with grand orchestral arrangements and a music rooted in centuries old tradition, have drawn in cross-cultural audiences of all ages with their performances. A giant heartbeat of the act drawing a lot of attention has been lead singer Abi Sampa.
She founded the group with her ace composer husband Rushil Ranjan, and together they have created a music phenomenon that has broken new creative ground. The musical dream team have brought together diverse artists for what will be one of the grandest qawwali-led concerts ever staged in the UK, with a performance at Royal Albert Hall in London next Monday (27). Those accompanying them will include the National Youth Chamber Choir and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Eastern Eye caught up with great British hero Abi Sampa to discuss her journey in music, inspirations and the remarkable rise of the Orchestral Qawwali Project. I haven’t had too much time to reflect because everything’s happened very quickly. To be honest, I have been on this journey since childhood.
I was always singing spiritual music since a young age. The Voice was just me as a young adult trying new things. But my childhood stemmed from seeking spiritual music.
So, this feels much more like the path I’ve always been on. Performing with the Orchestral Qawwali Project is an absolute hon.