Sonu Nigam Sparks Controversy Over Sufi Music, Critics Recall Its Rich Legacy

A short video of Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam has gone viral, in which he makes a surprising claim about Sufi music, calling it “just a thought” rather than a musical tradition. Nigam states that Sufi music only emerged after 2000 and dismisses its existence prior to that period.

His comments, however, have drawn widespread criticism for overlooking centuries of history. Sufi music has deep roots in South Asia, dating back to the 13th century Delhi Sultanate. Pioneers like Amir Khusro and Bulleh Shah shaped the genre, with devotional qawwali blending Persian and Indian musical traditions. Legendary artists such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen later popularized Sufi music internationally, influencing modern Bollywood soundtracks and fusion genres like Sufi rock.

Sufi music combines devotional poetry, melodic instruments, and rhythmic patterns to evoke spiritual ecstasy, a practice historically linked to the sama gatherings of wandering Sufi saints. Its influence has spread globally, inspiring artists like AR Rahman, whose compositions in films like Fiza, Jodhaa Akbar, and Rockstar draw heavily from Sufi traditions. Even international pop stars, including Madonna, have incorporated Sufi elements in music videos and performances.

From its historical origins to contemporary adaptations, Sufi music is far more than a mere “thought.” It is a rich cultural and spiritual tradition spanning centuries, influencing music worldwide.