Authentic Sufi, Qawwali & Ghazal Tabla Accompaniment
Mausiki (music) is about feeling, and nothing hits the soul like a good Sufi kalaam. Whether you need raw, traditional tabla for a qawwali or a soft, melodic groove for a ghazal, I bring the right rhythm to your sound.
A heartfelt qawwali session covering a classic by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The energy of the full group, with multiple vocalists, harmonium, and tabla, shows the passion I bring to live Sufi music performances.
'Je Tu Rab Nu Manuna', a beautiful Sufi kalaam. This intimate duet with a harmonium player and singer highlights my ability to provide sensitive and responsive tabla accompaniment that supports the vocalist.
This is a lively mehfil style performance of a Sufi song. I am playing tabla alongside a dholak player and singer, creating a rich, traditional sound perfect for live events or recordings.
A jam session on a Sufi kalaam with a guitarist and harmonium player. This shows how I can blend the traditional sound of the tabla with western instruments for a modern Sufi fusion feel.
Here we are performing a cover of the Punjabi Sufi song 'Tere Bina Na Guzara E'. I am playing dholak in a group setting, providing the driving, energetic rhythm that is characteristic of this style.
A cover of the song 'Samaan' by the Ali Brothers. This tabla and harmonium duet showcases a more contemporary Sufi sound, demonstrating my versatility within the genre.
About Sufi, Qawwali & Ghazal Sessions
When I record for a Sufi track, I don't just lay down a standard beat. I listen to the singer's pauses and the harmonium's flow first. For qawwalis, I often use a mix of traditional tabla and subtle dholak layering to maintain that energetic, spiritual thap (beat) that builds up during the performance.
Sufi music is not just about the notes; it is about the emotion behind the lyrics. My sessions focus on capturing that mehfil energy, even in a studio environment.
My Technical Approach
For ghazals, I keep the tabla crisp and gentle, ensuring it highlights the nuances of the Urdu poetry. For qawwalis, we need that driving force, so I balance the tabla's dayan with a subtle, earthy dholak base. This combination gives the track the weight it needs to feel authentic and deep.
Working Together
Before we hit record, I spend time understanding the raag or the tempo of the track. If you are a producer or a composer working on a Sufi project, I am comfortable collaborating with your live band or layering tracks in your studio setup across Delhi NCR.
I work with raw WAV stems, giving you full control during the mix. Whether you want a raw, live-jam feel or a polished studio production, I adjust my playing style to fit the song's soul. Let's make music that feels real.
Atul Rohtagi
I am the Tabla Beat Breaker, but at home, I am just a student learning from my Papa ji. Sufi and qawwali music is where I find my peace, and I love bringing that same devotion into every recording session. Let's create something soulful together.
Find the right rhythm for your project
Looking for something else? Search my other specialized percussion services.
More from Session Percussionist for Recordings by Atul Rohtagi
More services by Atul Rohtagi