Music of the Mystics: Sufi Qawwali night with Fanna-Fi-Allah

Experience the Timeless Tradition of Sufi Qawwali, Live in Concert

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Dora Stoutzker Hall, Castle Grounds, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3ER.
Saturday 1 May 2027. Doors 6.30pm, concert 7pm, with an interval.

Now in their 27th year of international touring, Fanna-Fi-Allah is one of the foremost traditional Qawwali ensembles in the world today. With thousands of performances across 50+ countries, they carry the living spirit of Sufi shrine music to global audiences.

Led by Tahir Qawwal and supported by a masterful ensemble of tabla, harmonium, and choral vocals, the group remains rooted in the classical Qawwali tradition, without fusion, electronics, or pop crossover.

Each performance is a vibrant expression of spiritual passion, featuring the poetry of Sufi saints such as Amir Khusrau and Baba Farid, delivered through powerful rhythms of clapping, soaring chorus lines, and deep, trance-inducing cycles. The atmosphere often includes whirling Sufi dancing and a communal, ecstatic energy that transcends language or belief. Though born in the Sufi Islamic tradition, this music invites all people, regardless of background, into a shared space of unity and divine love.

Access and seating

The circle benches are padded stools without backs with a side view of the stage, and the choir stalls face the back of the performers. Neither is suitable for anyone with mobility issues. Rows M and L at the rear of the stalls give step-free access, and row C has extra legroom. Wheelchair spaces and companion seats are held by the College: please contact us before booking and we will arrange them with the box office.

Ticket Policy

Tickets are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable for any reason, including illness, emergencies, travel disruption, or change of plans. This policy applies without exception from the moment of purchase.

Tickets may not be exchanged for another date, venue, or event. If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to pass your ticket to someone else. Any ticket holder presenting a valid QR code at the door will be admitted.

Seating is open and unreserved. VIP ticket holders are seated in a reserved front section held before doors, first come first served within that section. To maximise your choice of seating, we recommend arriving when doors open.

By completing your purchase you acknowledge and accept these terms in full.