49 Nazia & Zoheb Hussain, Al Basit (The Expander), Pakistan
3rd April marks Nazia Hussain Birthday. I want to remember Nazia and her brother Zoheb Hussain. I cannot describe what their music did for us but those who know can easily well up.
The 21st Name Al Basit reminds me of them. According to my source Al Basit is the only one who expands, the only source of expansion. Often there is great joy in the expansion of Al Basit, and its meaning is connected with ecstasy. There are many states of its expansiveness. Al Basit brings a kind of ecstasy in eating, drinking and smelling, in the music, in great natural beauty and in grander and gander ways until your joy uplifts all beings. You become absent to yourself and find God’s presence completely within.
It feels quite hopeless to pick any particular song of theirs as it was their sound and the feeling it brought. Growing up in the 80's in the UK their music was a bridge to both cultures I belonged to UK and Pakistan. I deeply miss them. To this day I recognise how their music has imprinted a permanent mark of inspiration on me. Im still watching all the videos on youtube and I cannot decide which ones to include here....sorry.... I will keep trying to decide but for now I'm having my own 80's disco.
Okay check out the album below - back to back of Nazia and Zoheb, pure bliss x.
