In this episode, we turn to Shah Hussain — the 16th-century sufi poet remembered for his fearless, timeless voice. We focus on one of his most searing kafis, “Buriyān, buriyān, buriyān ve lokā” talking about wounds sharper than swords, and the spiritual yearning that comes with the path of love.

I’m joined by Radhika Sood Nayak, A singer and composer whose love for Sufi music was first kindled by the 17th-century mystic Baba Bulleh Shah’s poetry. Beginning with the Mumbai Kabir Festival, she has travelled with her songs to Kabir Yatras in Rajasthan, Malwa, and Telangana. Shah Hussain’s poetry has deeply inspired her — leading her to compose, collaborate on music videos with theatre artists in Lahore and handloom artists in Kutch, and most recently, to curate Mela Chiraagaa’n – Madho Lal Hussain, a musical narrative dedicated to the poet.

For those who want to journey further:

* Listen to Samina Hasan Syed’s SoundCloud channel, with her soulful renditions of Sufi poetry.

* Read Naveed Alam’s Verses of a Lowly Faqir — an English translation of Madho Lal Hussain’s kafis, available on Amazon.

* And dive into Sarbpreet Singh’s novel The Sufi’s Nightingale, which reimagines Shah Hussain’s life and his extraordinary bond with Madho Lal. Read more here.

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