In Context: Sanam Marvi

Pakistani superstar Sanam Marvi presents an evening of folk and Sufi devotional music at its most intensely sublime, singing poetic texts in Urdu, Sindhi, and Saraiki. Context is everything, so get closer to the production through our series of curated links, videos, and articles. After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought by posting in the comments below and on social media using #SanamMarvi.

Program Notes
Article
Sanam Marvi (BAM blog)
“‘I am neither Sunni nor Shia,’ Marvi sings... ‘My heart is troubled by both sides.’”

Website
Sanam Marvi (Center Stage^SM)
A comprehensive overview of "vocal warrior" Sanam Marvi from Center Stage^SM, a public diplomacy initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Article
The Popularity of Pakistani Sufi Music(DESIblitz)
Singing as a means of spiritual connection to God.

Review
(Re)Gendering Ritual/Religious Practices(H-Gender-MidEast)
Part of an academic dialogue on the centrality of female voices in Sufi Islam.

Article
An Introduction to the Music of India
A resource guide with explanations of four regional instruments featured in Sanam Marvi’s concert: the dholak, tabla, harmonium, and sitar.

Watch & Listen
‘Tu Rah Naward-e-Shauq Hai Manzil Na Kar Qabool’: Virsa Heritage Revived (Dailymotion)
Marvi performs alongside her childhood music teacher and legend of Qawwali devotional music, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, on a popular Pakistani music show. With English translations. (Be sure to catch the sick electric rubab solo at 1:23.)

Video
‘Manzil-e-Sufi’: Coke Studio (YouTube)
In a live studio recording, Marvi sings a Sindhi poem about selfless love.

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