The 2020 South Australian Music Awards (SAM) were held on Tuesday, November 3rd at the University of Adelaide’s Cloisters and lawns, the open-air venue now known as The College Green, where local artists from Australia gathered to celebrate communal achievements.
Ismaili artist Farhan Shah and his band mate Shahid Rehman (Udan Khatola) won the prestigious SAM award under “Adelaide UNESCO City of Music Award” category for “Best” international music collaboration for their song “Maula Ya Ali”.
What a night! Such a blessing to receive the prestigious “Adelaide UNESCO City of Music Award” for our song “Maula Ya Ali” at the South Australian Music Awards. Shahid Rehman, my buddy and other half of Udan Khatola, missed you the most while receiving it, you deserve this equally. To all my mates back home and in Australia who have worked on music and video production of “MAULA YA ALI”, you may have not been with me physically, but you were in my heart as I collected the award on your behalf. This is truly a Team win! Farhan Shah
Adelaide, designated as the first and only City of Music in Australia, is now a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Australia’s UNESCO Creative cities include; Melbourne – City of Literature, Sydney – City of Film, Geelong – City of Design and designated in late 2020, Ballarat – City of Craft and Folk Arts and Bendigo – City of Gastronomy. Source
Farhan Shah, originally from Pakistan now resides in Adelaide, Australia.
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“Maula Ya Ali” is a prayer based around the Sufi idea of seeking help and guidance from the Master in difficulties. Sufism, the mystical sect of Islam, is partly characterized by its rich musical tradition, primarily based on the writings of Sufi poets such as Rumi, Amir Khusrau, and Bulleh Shah. Well known for drawing influence from his faith and the Sufi tradition, Udan Khatola has arranged this Qawwali influenced melody with a blend of contemporary and traditional instrumentation.
