33. Sufi Qawwali Music: Transnational Performance Circuits and Royalty Rights

Structural Mechanics

Sufi Qawwali is a traditional devotional music genre practiced across North India and Pakistan, centered at historic Sufi shrines (Dargahs). Qawwali’s complex musical structure—combining classical raga transitions, dynamic choral responses, and repetitive percussive clapping—has transitioned from localized spiritual settings to global commercial music platforms. This transition has highlighted challenges in intellectual property, including copyright management for traditional compositions, digital streaming royalty distribution, and visa processing for international performance tours.

Data-Driven Metrics

• Streaming Consumption Growth: Digital listenership for Sufi and semi-classical fusion music on platforms like Spotify and YouTube has increased among younger global demographics.
• Royalty Collection Gaps: Due to a lack of formal publishing agreements, over 90% of traditional Qawwali performer families do not receive digital streaming royalties for their recorded heritage.
• Transnational Tour Volume: Leading Indian Qawwali ensembles perform across major international music festivals, generating significant cross-border cultural exchange.

Strategic Vector

The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) should create a dedicated traditional music wing, assisting hereditary Sufi musicians in registering their performances and claiming digital streaming royalties.