Bakhshi Javed Salamat is the son of Ustad Bakshi Salamat who was respected by Ustad Fateh Ali Khan (father of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan). When Ustad Bakhshi Salamat died in 1982, The Great Nusrat fateh Ali Khan took Bakhshi Javaid Salamat (BJS) under his wing as his most able pupil. A huge vacuum was created in the Qawwali world after the death of Nusrat Feteh Ali Khan in 1997.This vacuum has been filled by Bakhshi Javed Salamat, son of Bakhshi Salamat, scion of the great Roorey Khan and pupil of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Bakhshi Javed Salamat Passed away March 2016, the group still named Bakhshi Javed Salamat is lead by brothers Nadeem Salamat and ………
The Bakshi Javaid Salamat Qawwali Group has continued and uplifted the trend of ‘fusion qawwali’ by blending the eastern system with western pop,rock, hip hop and samba percussion.
The Bakshi Javed Salamat Qawwal Group is a renowned ensemble in the world of qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music originating from the Indian subcontinent. The group is named after its leader, Bakshi Javed Salamat, and carries the legacy of his family, which has been involved in qawwali music for generations.
Background and Family Legacy
The group traces its roots back to Bakshi Salamat Qawwal, Javed’s father, who was a highly respected figure in the qawwali tradition. Bakshi Salamat was not only a master of traditional qawwali but also known for bringing innovations to the genre while maintaining its spiritual essence. His sons, including Bakshi Javed Salamat, inherited his love and dedication to this form of music. After the passing of Bakshi Salamat, his son Bakshi Javed took up the mantle to continue the family tradition, forming the Bakshi Javed Salamat Qawwal Group.
Style and Repertoire
The group’s qawwali performances are deeply rooted in the classical and Sufi traditions. Their style includes the performance of ghazals, kalam (poetry), and hamd (praise of God), often featuring compositions that use the Persian, Urdu, and Punjabi languages. The emphasis is on creating a spiritual connection through music, aiming to invoke wajd—a state of spiritual ecstasy in the listeners.
Known for their powerful vocals, rhythmic clapping, and harmonium-based melodies, the Bakshi Javed Salamat Qawwal Group stays true to the traditional elements of qawwali while integrating dynamic improvisation, which is a hallmark of live qawwali performances.
Contributions to Qawwali and Sufi Music
The group has been instrumental in keeping the qawwali tradition alive, both in Pakistan and internationally. They perform at major Sufi shrines, cultural festivals, and private gatherings. They are also recognized for collaborating with contemporary artists and musicians, contributing to the global spread of qawwali and its appreciation in diverse musical communities.
Their performances are often spiritual and transcendent, reflecting the devotional and mystical dimensions of Islam, particularly the teachings of Sufism, where music is seen as a means to reach divine love. The Bakshi Javed Salamat Qawwal Group is celebrated for their renditions of classical Sufi poets like Amir Khusro, Bulleh Shah, and Hazrat Sultan Bahu.
International Recognition
The Bakshi Javed Salamat Qawwal Group has garnered international acclaim for their vibrant and soulful performances, helping spread the message of peace, love, and unity through Sufi music. Their concerts and recordings have resonated with both South Asian and global audiences.
