The 700-year old tradition of Qawwali music takes on a new life with the lively rhythmic cycles, gripping melodies and inspirational poetry from Texas-based Riyaaz Qawwali. Weaving original songs with famous poems and texts from Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, and other religions into one, these musicians, who variously come from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, merge their linguistic and religious backgrounds into a transcendent musical experience.

Trained in eastern and western classical music, Riyaaz Qawwali has been professionally performing qawwali for the past eight years. Their last album, ISHQ, features ghazals from contemporary and classic poets including Mirza Ghalib, Amir Khusrow, Bulleh Shah, Mir Taqi Mir, Sant Kabir and Guru Nanak. Their use of multiple linguistic and religious backgrounds to create a universal message of oneness.

Listen to tracks by Riyaaz Qawwali on SoundCloud.

Follow @riyaaz_qawwali on Twitter.