Qawwali is a semi-classical devotional singing associated with the Sufi schools of Islam. The word literally means one who repeats qawwal, which is the sayings of the prophets and learned elders. It is popularly sung across dargahs or Sufi shrines across India, particularly in Punjab, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. The songs are notable for their rhythmic clapping and the use of instruments like Dholak, Tabla and Harmonium. Amir Khusrow is traditionally credited with creating the Qawwali genre in the 13th century by fusing Turkish, Arabic, Persian and Indian traditions and even to this day, it shows the influence of all these different cultures.

Danish Hussain Badayuni belongs to Budaun, Uttar Pradesh and is the grandson of the famed singer of Classical Music, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, and belongs to the Rampur gharana of Hindustani music. Although the rest of his family are Classical singers, Danish Hussain developed an interest in Qawwali and established himself as a renowned singer in Badaun. He has performed worldwide, singing both religious and devotional Qawwali and the more modern, filmi-style Qawwali popularized by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Despite his fame and acclaim, he lives in his hometown of Badaun and earns a living by singing at events and religious gatherings.

Qawwali remains a very popular genre that finds its appeal beyond the Muslim community. It is performed at the weddings and family events of other North Indian communities, like the Sikhs. Though Nusrat Fateh’s Qawwali is the better-known style of Qawwali and the kind that is often requested in events, Danish Hussain strives to preserve the traditional, devotional Qawwali and loves to sing in dargahs and on religious occasions associated with the Sufi saints.