America
“Raga Boyz†transcends genres and generations
By
Asian Media USA and Moon Khan
Chicago IL: When the terms “Raga†and “Sufiâ€
come up together, an image of old classical artists performing in front of
senior citizens enjoying slow music conjures up. However, when Raga Boyz
performed on April 17 at Mezban Restaurant’s tropically decorated banquet hall
in Lombard, Illinois, a renaissance of music seemed
collaborating harmonically with the ecstatic 300 plus audience.
Equally applauding were the organizer and host Ali Khan,
emcee Mona Bhalla and Ali King Khan, chief guests and FIA officers Sunil Shah
and Moon Khan as well all the sponsors Sahil, Sophisticutz
Salon& Spa, ChunrI Boutique, Adara makeup, Inspire Boutique,
Studio Elite, Desi Talent Chicago, and Newyork Life.
Raga Boyz, a popular band from Pakistan, performed music of all
genres…from Ragas to Rock, from Sufi to Heavy Metal, from Folk to Fusion.
Before coming to Chicago,
Raga Boyz have performed across the globe in some of the best venues of the
world like Wembley Arena (UK) and Radio City Music Hall (NYC). They have
appeared with singers like Shakira and Rihanna. They have also won several
awards and competitions internationally.
They are the 9th generation of the famous Patiala Gharana, sons of legendary
singer Ustad Hamid Ali Khan and nephews of Late Ustad Amanat Ali Khan and Fateh
Ali Khan.
Raga Boyz, a band of 3 brothers was formed in 2006 and the name Raga Boyz was
coined by none other than Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, their father.
The eldest brother, Nayab Ali, is a classical and semi
classical singer. He is known for his God gifted voice and soulful renditions
of classical and Sufi melodies.
Wali Hamid Ali is next. He is the lead vocalist of the band.
He is a pop and semi classical singer and composer. A marvelous stage performer,
he keeps the audience on their feet with his high octane performances.
The youngest of the 3 brothers, Inam Ali is a hard core
classical singer. The audience is mesmerized when they hear this 20-year old
sing complicated taan – alaap with utmost ease.
Certainly, the ninth generation of Patiala's royal beacons have transformed
their traditional musical skills into today's modern singing.
Times Music is releasing Raga Boyz’s new album “Raga Rocks –
The Ultimate Raga Fusion†in India.
The band performed at Blue Frog - Mumbai on 5th July, 2013 and Blue Frog - Delhi on 6th July, 2013.
They sang the song ‘Mann Qunto Maula’ from the film ‘Maximum’, starring Sonu
Sood, Neha Dhupia, and Naseeruddin Shah.
Lead vocalist Wali Hamid Ali says, “The love from Indians'
and migrated Indians' around the world have been encouraging for us as artistes.
We always enjoy performing in India,
USA, Canada and all
around world.
“In India,
people greet us with same warmth every time,†says Inam Ali who is a hard core
classical singer and the youngest brother among the three Ali brothers.
All the members of FIA attended the show along with great
friends. Big thanks to the organizer Ali Khan and the Khan Family for hosting
this event and promoting talented artist with the help of DCA (Dr Siraj
Ahmed).
Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA and Moon Khan