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A Fusion of Orchestral Power & Sufi Devotion - Our Collaboration with The Sufi Records & Zain Zohaib on “Raaz”.

We’re excited to share one of our most memorable collaborations of the past year, working with The Sufi Records and the world-renowned duo Zain Zohaib on their striking release, “Raaz.”


This project is a masterclass in genre-bending, blending the spiritual intensity of Sufi devotional music with the sweeping emotional breadth of a full orchestral performance. The Northern Film Orchestra was proud to provide the orchestral recordings that serve as the cinematic heartbeat of this fusion.


The Voices of a Legacy: Who are Zain Zohaib?


At the center of "Raaz" are the powerhouse vocals of Zain Ali and Zohaib Ali, better known as Zain Zohaib. Hailing from a prestigious musical lineage, they are the grandsons of the legendary Ustad Haji Rehmat Ali Khan, who was the long-time accompanying harmonium player for the great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Zain Zohaib represent the new generation of Qawwali. They possess the rare ability to maintain the rigorous technical demands of traditional Sufi music while embracing contemporary arrangements. Their performance in "Raaz" isn't just singing; it is an exercise in "Sufiyana Kalam" (devotional poetry), delivered with a grit and passion that demands an equally powerful instrumental backdrop. "The challenge and the beauty of this project lay in the timing. Qawwali thrives on a fluid, rhythmic pulse, while orchestral music often relies on structured precision. Finding the 'groove' where these two worlds met was a truly inspiring process."


Bringing Musical Worlds Together


The Sufi Records are dedicated to preserving and evolving the sacred musical traditions of Sufism, including qawwali, a devotional musical form rooted in centuries of spiritual expression across South Asia.


For "Raaz," their creative vision was elevated through the addition of orchestral layers recorded by the Northern Film Orchestra right here in Manchester.


Our ensemble’s role was to support and intertwine with the duo's vocals and traditional instrumentation. By adding lush strings and dramatic brass, we aimed to create a "widescreen" effect that honors the ancient poetry while making it feel modern and global. Watch Raaz here:




Music that Transcends Borders


Raaz stands as both a spiritual journey and a rich musical tapestry. Its melding of lush orchestral harmonies with traditional Sufi vocal lines creates a powerful listening experience, resonant, immersive and deeply human. The piece reflects a shared artistic ambition: to honour heritage while expanding sonic horizons in exciting new ways.


This project was an opportunity to collaborate beyond genre and geography, combining Northern Film Orchestra’s orchestral expertise with The Sufi Records’ devotion to cultural art forms that speak to listeners around the world.


A Celebration of Collaboration

Working on "Raaz" reminds us why we do what we do: to help artists push the boundaries of what is possible. We are grateful to Zain Zohaib and The Sufi Records for inviting us into their world.


We hope "Raaz" continues to captivate listeners everywhere. Whether you are a fan of cinematic scores or traditional world music, we believe this blend of orchestral color and heartfelt spirituality will resonate with you.




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