(From left to right) Electronic artists Firaaq and Skopos. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
Blending nostalgia with a futuristic sound, DJ-producers Firaaq, aka Shivam Choraria, and Skopos, the stage name of Lakshay Nanda, team up for their first release of the year with the qawwali-driven track “Mohabbat.”
Featuring a vocal sample of seasoned voice M. Abdul Gani singing a qawwali titled “Mahane Mohabbat” layered over an Afro house production style, both artists explore a fair amount of new ground within the already burgeoning Indian electronic and electro-fusion space that’s been spearheaded by the likes of Midival Punditz and Tech Panda x Kenzani.
“Mohabbat” also marks Skopos’ first release in two years. “I felt it was time to step out of our comfort zone and explore new creative territory,” he says. “With this project, our primary focus was to delve deep into our qawwali roots, drawing from its rich spiritual and sonic traditions, while seamlessly blending it with the energy and pulse of electronic dance music.”
Firaaq, who has often worked in the Indian electronic space, adds in his statement, “We envisioned creating something that honored the spiritual essence of qawwali music while giving it a fresh, underground house music twist. The result is a project that we’re both extremely proud of.”
The song, which also has an extended mix clocking at four and a half minutes, is released via Firaaq’s label Chakravyuh Records. Known for songs like “Saajan” from 2023, “Mohabbat” follows previous Firaaq releases such as “Raga,” “Melosa” and “Rangoon” with Bangla house DJ-producer Dipto, all from 2024.
