Mandala Arts Presents, “At Crossroads: Qawwali & Gospel” at Naperville’s Madden Theatre

Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, is proud to present musicians Sonny with Riyaaz Qawwali and Seaux Chillin At Crossroads: Qawwali & Gospel, a performance integrating Black American gospel music with South Asian Qawwali, a devotional musical tradition rooted in Sufi Islam.  The free performance will take place on Friday, November 8, 2024, between 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Madden Theatre, 171 Chicago Avenue, Naperville. 

Drawing on the complex history of cultural exchange between South Asian and Black communities, At Crossroads: Qawwali & Gospel will expand upon a previous music composition, which was the culmination of workshops and conversations that invited community members to make connections across their unique linguistic, musical, and faith traditions. The performance will highlight common parallels between the two genres while celebrating their distinct historic roots to bridge the two communities and cultures.

Shared Mandala Executive Artistic Director Pranita Nayar, “This exciting collaboration, which features a unique weaving of music representing different Chicago BIPOC artists, allows us to present cultural understanding and acceptance through the Mandala South Asian lens. And with support from SECA (special events community arts) funds from the City of Naperville, we can continue to build bridges and deepen understanding between different Chicago communities.”

Mandala South Asian Performing Arts is a MacArthur Award-winning organization founded by Executive Artistic Director Pranita Nayar. From classical to contemporary, Mandala connects audiences and students with the vibrancy of the performing arts traditions of South Asia. For more information on At Crossroads: Qawwali & Gospel, visit mandalaarts.org.