Qawwal Booking in Pakistan – A Complete Guide to Hiring a Qawwali Group
If you are planning a wedding, Mehndi, or a private event in Pakistan, you may have thought about adding a live Qawwali performance. And honestly, a good Qawwali group can completely change the mood of an event.
But finding the right Qawwal is not simply about searching for a name and asking for a price. There are a few things you should know before you make the booking.
Here is what actually matters when hiring a Qawwali group in Pakistan.
First, Decide What Kind of Qawwali You Want
Before contacting Qawwals, first decide what kind of experience you would like to offer your guests.
Do you prefer traditional Sufi performance? Or maybe something lively for Mehndi? Or a proper Qawwali show when your guests can sit and enjoy a performance?
That is important, because each team has its own style.
The same team which performs nicely at a small Mehfil will not necessarily suit you if you have a large wedding ceremony with hundreds of guests. Therefore, do not ask just “Who is the best Qawwal?” Try to answer “Who is right for me?”
How Much Does a Qawwal Cost in Pakistan?
It is probably going to be the first question that most people would want an answer to, but there is no fixed answer.
The amount that you are going to pay a Qawwal would depend on who the artist is, the size of the group, the location, date, duration of the performance, and what all would go into the package.
For instance, booking a local Qawwali group for a small occasion will be quite different from hiring a famous Qawwal for a big wedding party.
When you receive a quote, do not focus only on the amount that it is costing you. Ask what you are getting for the amount that you are paying.
An inexpensive booking could end up being costly if you have to spend money for things like sound, transportation, accommodation, and extra performance time.
Don't Judge a Qawwal by a Short Instagram Video
This is perhaps the easiest mistake to make.
The video could contain some of the best moments in the performance, even if professionally recorded. This does not mean that it will give you the true experience of the sound quality of the group in live performances.
It is always advisable to seek for recent live videos before hiring the group. If possible, try and view a performance in a real event such as a wedding.
Consider aspects such as:
What is the sound quality of the group without much editing?
Is the leader of the Qawwal consistent during the performance?
How good is the support team?
Are they capable of engaging the audience?
Does their style of singing match your event?
You do not have to be a music critic. All you have to do is just listen and ask yourself whether you would enjoy the performance.
Ask Exactly Who Will Be Performing
It’s one thing that many times people don’t consider.
In case you are booking a Qawwal based on having seen a certain artist through the videos, then you should make sure that it’s really the same Qawwal who will be present.
Another important thing is to know how many people are included in the party.
There can be the lead Qawwal himself, the other backing vocalists, the harmonium player, the tabla/dholak players, and so forth.
Sound System Can Make or Break the Performance
You can get the best Qawwal, but poor sound will not let you get the best out of it.
Inquire if they have their own sound system, or if there is anything else that you would need to hire separately.
For a small event held inside, it might not be necessary. But for a large marriage hall or outdoor event, it will be important to have proper loudspeakers, mics, monitors, mixing equipment, and a person who knows about live sound systems.
Do not leave this matter pending until the day of the event.
A very useful question to ask is:
"Do you have a sound system in your booking charge? Or do I need any specific equipment?"
Tell Them About Your Venue
The location is far more significant than most people realize.
If a Qawwali party is playing at an indoor location and compared to an outdoor wedding, their needs would be completely different.
Let the Qawwal know:
Where the function will take place
Approximate number of attendees
Whether the location is indoor or outdoor
Size of the available stage space
Estimated duration of the performance
If the Qawwal party is traveling from another city, then let him know about his transportation and accommodation charges too.
Can You Request Specific Qawwalis?
Most of the time, it is always worth considering this.
If you have particular Qawwalis or Kalam which you would like to have in your function, then it is always better if you talk about them beforehand. This way, perhaps there is a specific one which your family loves, or something which became part of your wedding.
Always give your preferred list in advance, instead of requesting everything the very night. Additionally, always be flexible. Most of the time, a good Qawwali performance will depend on the mood of the audience.
Don't Forget About Timing
Suppose you have booked your Qawwal for 9 PM, but the dinner ceremony ends at 10 PM.
Now there’s waiting, there are all set and the timing schedule is all messed up.
To prevent this from happening, synchronize the timing of the Qawwali performance according to your event manager and venue.
Ask about the following details:
Arrival Time → Setting Up Time → Starting Time of the Performance → Breaks → Ending Time
Additionally, ask if the artist is willing to wait in case of any delay in your event ceremony.
What Should You Pay as an Advance?
It is not advisable to pay the total amount without knowing the terms of the booking.
One strategy would be to make an advance payment as a guarantee of securing the date and then make the rest of the payment based on the terms you had agreed upon with the artist.
Ensure that you have written the booking terms before making the payment.
Here are some simple booking details:
Artist + Event Date + Venue + Duration of Performance + Total Fee + Advance Payment
Where Can You Find Qawwals for Booking?
Qawwali groups can be hired through event planners, entertainment firms, wedding service providers, social media, recommendations, and artist booking websites.
It is useful to take recommendations, but do not hire someone just on the grounds that your friend likes them. See their latest shows and make sure that they are available on your date.
When there are different artists that you want to compare, select a few of them and ask the same questions to each one.
Final Advice Before You Book
But the most expensive Qawwali booking does not necessarily guarantee you the best Qawwali performance.
Find the Qawwali group which suits you in terms of your event, your audience, your budget and your taste.
Watch their performance clips, know what exactly they consist of, talk about the sound and travel charges, fix the timing of their performance and get your bookings written.
But most importantly, make sure to book them well before time because weddings are the peak of the wedding season. Once you have the perfect Qawwali for your occasion, you will no longer have to worry about music and enjoy yourself thoroughly.
However, an excellent Qawwali performance not only adds value to the event but sometimes it is the performance which people remember after the event is over.
