Karachi: Pakistani qawwali singer Ustad Fareed Ayaz has reportedly announced his retirement from performing qawwali, saying that his children will now carry forward the family's musical legacy.
Speaking at a recent event, Ayaz told the audience he had performed to the best of his ability and devoted his career to music.
His remarks suggest that the responsibility for continuing the family's qawwali tradition will now pass to the next generation. However, further details about his retirement and whether he intends to withdraw from all public performances have not been confirmed.
Fareed Ayaz belongs to the Qawwal Bachon Ka Gharana, a musical lineage associated with developing and preserving classical qawwali in South Asia.
He is widely known for performing alongside his brother, Abu Muhammad, presenting traditional qawwali compositions, Sufi poetry, and classical music to audiences in Pakistan and abroad.
Their repertoire includes poetry associated with Amir Khusro and other Sufi traditions, reflecting the family's longstanding connection with devotional music.
Throughout his career, Ayaz has helped introduce qawwali to younger audiences while maintaining its classical vocal techniques and traditional compositions.
His reported retirement comes as younger family members prepare to continue performing and preserving the musical tradition.
The announcement may mark a shift in the family's performing leadership, though no formal retirement schedule or details on future performances have been disclosed.
