Music review: Balancing Sufi Aura with Patriotic Vibe

With lyrics & music that will entice the youth and elders equally, this epic track will surely be a memorable treat for Sameer Binsi's fans.

Hazart Umar Qazi: The Poet. The Patriot — is an epic song performed by Sameer Binsi, prominent Sufi Qawwali singer of Kerala. Conceived and directed by writer and activist Mujeeb Jaihoon, this song is based on the life and struggle of Umar Qazi— the saint, poet and freedom fighter who lived in 18th-century Malabar, Kerala.

Inspired by Mujeeb Jaihoon’s novel, Hindinte Ithihaasam, the melodious lyrics of Mansoor Kilinakkode dwells on the poetic and patriotic life of Umar Qazi, widely acclaimed as the forerunner of the Non taxation movement in Indian freedom struggle. Binsi’s soulful voice is blessed by the vibrant beats of Mohammed Akbar, inspiring new heights with chorus vocals by Imam Majboor and Mithulesh.

This is a song that sticks in your head right from the first listen as it meticulously balances Sufi aura with patriotic vibe. With lyrics and music that will entice the youth and elders equally, Binsi’s fans will discover this track as one of his best musical treat till date.

The ensemble, known for their sufi musical performances, deliver the perfect justice as they put their best foot forward to suit the historical and spiritual personality of Umar Qazi, one of Malabar’s favorite freedom fighters.

Malabar’s music video production enters a zone that he has not treaded so far with motion graphics. Umar Qazi, the protagonist of the song, is visualized in the powerful ethnic backdrop by the illustrations by Shaf Beypore, Dubai-based artist actively involved as creative artist in advertising and tv productions. The creative team also includes Shafeek Pallikkal, Saleem Pulikkal, Faris Kilinakkode and Muhammad Javad.

On a final note, Mujeeb Jaihoon’s notorious obsession for creative excellence once again shows up in this work as he raises the bar for Malabar’s Manaqib songs (hagiographic productions).

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