Ghazal is one of the most popular music forms in Pakistan and India. The word Ghazal is derived from the Arabic language. However, the meaning of this form of music is a melodic genre of music that is set to mainly highlight rhythm and harmony with a strong emphasis on polyphonic melody. Although it is widely played in Pakistan and India, the most notable singers are from India.
Although it is often referred to as Indian music, Ghazal is actually a fusion of several styles and musical cultures. This form of music can be easily described as a meditative one. The beauty of this type of music has transcended borders and boundaries and has been embraced by people across cultures and religions. It is essentially a prayerful form of music that inspires its listeners with feelings of spirituality and peace.
Most Ghazal singers are women who have strong credentials as musicians. They have accomplished and mastered their skills and have a vast body of sound that they can evoke using just one instrument. Usually, a singer will start off her performance with some traditional prayers. From there, she will then progress to a slow paced song that will slowly build her anticipation for the final song that she will sing. As she sings, the song gets closer to being completed and the audience becomes excited and anticipatory about what will follow next. The sound is mesmerizing as the instrument is plucked, sung, tuned and mixed all in one movement.