Fans of traditional qawwali were left concerned after veteran performer Fareed Ayaz announced his retirement during a Karachi event. However, the 76-year-old singer is not stepping away from the musical tradition, according to his brother and longtime collaborator, Abu Muhammad.
The announcement, made on stage last Friday, quickly circulated online and prompted questions about the future of the celebrated qawwal. Fortunately for admirers, Abu Muhammad clarified on Tuesday that his brother was not actually retiring and “was just angry”. He did not explain what had upset the veteran performer.
What Fareed Ayaz Said During the Karachi Event
The retirement announcement came as a surprise to the audience gathered at the event. In a video circulating on social media, Ayaz can be seen addressing the crowd before announcing his departure from qawwali.
“Ladies and gentlemen. Before I leave, I just want to say that I am announcing my retirement from qawwali today,” he said, prompting audible gasps from the audience.
He then reflected on the years he had spent performing for listeners and suggested that younger generations would continue the tradition. His remarks drew applause as he walked off the stage, making the moment appear like a formal farewell.
Nevertheless, his brother’s clarification has eased concerns that the announcement marked the end of Ayaz’s musical career. Although the reason behind his anger remains unclear, Abu Muhammad’s statement indicates that fans should not treat the viral clip as a confirmed retirement decision.
Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad’s Contribution to Qawwali
Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad lead a well-known qawwali troupe and have built a reputation through traditional performances and musical collaborations. Their work includes film tracks, while their rendition of Piya Ghar Aaya for Coke Studio introduced their distinctive style to a wider audience.
The brothers also represent the qawwal-bachcha gharana, a musical lineage associated with centuries of qawwali tradition. The gharana is traditionally linked to the legacy of poet Amir Khusrau, whose name remains closely associated with the development of South Asian music and Sufi cultural traditions.
For this reason, Ayaz’s apparent retirement carried significance beyond the future of one performer. His work connects contemporary audiences with a musical heritage passed down through generations.
Upcoming Performances Add to Questions About Retirement
The timing of the announcement also raised questions about whether Ayaz intended to leave the stage permanently. The brothers reportedly still had performances scheduled as part of their United States tour, with shows extending into the following month.
Those commitments made the sudden announcement seem unexpected, although the viral clip offered little context about the circumstances surrounding it. Abu Muhammad’s clarification has now provided a more reassuring explanation without revealing what prompted his brother’s reaction.
For now, the retirement rumours appear to have stemmed from an angry moment rather than a confirmed decision to quit qawwali. Fans can therefore await further performances without treating the Karachi announcement as a definitive farewell.
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