In a candid conversation with IANS from Mumbai, celebrated qawwal and musician Mujtaba Aziz Naza dissected the tech-driven changes in music, underscoring that while AI is a tool, it falls short of capturing music’s spiritual core.
‘Technology is helpful, but music is a spiritual sadhana,’ Naza declared, dismissing notions of AI supplanting human artistry. Machines operate within programmed limits, unable to evoke the raw emotions central to true music.
Drawing from his Sufi lineage, he explained how qawwali channels otherworldly inspirations no algorithm can mimic. This authenticity defines genres like Sufi music.
Teasing his new single ‘Doomedika Sultan,’ Naza shared its long journey: crafted years ago, it’s now getting an independent launch to honor his roots.
Naza drew sharp lines between commercial film songs and indie tracks. Filmmaking demands compromises to multiple stakeholders, stifling personal expression. Indie music thrives on freedom, with platforms like social media enabling direct fan connections—a game-changer for artists.
Live qawwali shows, he revealed, are alive with improvisation. ‘We enter with a plan, but audience vibes dictate the set— that’s the thrill,’ Naza said, praising this adaptability.
Amid commercialization, Naza worries music has lost its devotional spirit, becoming just a job. True mastery demands unwavering commitment, scarce in today’s fast-paced youth culture. He calls for reclaiming music’s sacred purpose.
