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[td][/td] [td]==== Diacritical and Taqwacore Tours ====[/td]
[td]==== Diacritical and Taqwacore Tours ====[/td] [td]Waqar first gained attention as the guitarist and vocalist of Diacritical, a punk band that blended South Asian musical elements with Western hardcore. During a performance in Fairfax, Virginia, Waqar appeared wearing a black tunic and cap, leading the audience in a chant of "Stop the hate!"<ref name=":1" /> Diacritical was among approximately a dozen U.S. bands associated with the emerging Muslim punk (taqwacore) scene and had plans to tour with groups including Vote Hezbollah, the Kominas, and Al-Thawra.[/td]
[td]Waqar first gained attention as the guitarist and vocalist of Diacritical, a punk band that blended South Asian musical elements with Western hardcore. During a performance in Fairfax, Virginia, Waqar appeared wearing a black tunic and vintage cadet cap, leading the audience in a chant of "Stop the hate!"<ref name=":1" /> Diacritical was among approximately a dozen U.S. bands associated with the emerging Muslim punk (taqwacore) scene and had plans to tour with groups including Vote Hezbollah, the Kominas, and Al-Thawra.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]Waqar participated in the Taqwacore tours across the United States and Canada in the late 2000s<ref name=":4" />. These tours were organized by musicians influenced by Michael Muhammad Knightβs novel ''The [[The Taqwacores|Taqwacores]]'' and featured bands such as the [[The Kominas|Kominas]] and [[Secret Trial Five]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Power |first=Carla |date=2009-12-03 |title=Muslim Punk Rock: A Mashup of Piety and Politics |url=https://time.com/archive/6910525/muslim-punk-rock-a-mashup-of-piety-and-politics/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=TIME |language=en}}</ref> Waqar performed with the [[The Kominas|Kominas]] and other acts, often addressing social and political issues and fostering community among diasporic South Asian youth.<ref name=":2" /> During live performances, he occasionally included songs referencing the 1947 partition of India, incorporating audience-participation chants such as "They call it partition, itβs more like separation!"<ref name=":3" /> Waqar has cited Sufi mysticism and qawwali devotional music as inspirations.[/td]
[td]Waqar participated in the Taqwacore tours across the United States and Canada in the late 2000s<ref name=":4" />. These tours were organized by musicians catalyzed by Michael Muhammad Knightβs novel ''The [[The Taqwacores|Taqwacores]]'' and featured bands such as the [[The Kominas|Kominas]] and [[Secret Trial Five]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Power |first=Carla |date=2009-12-03 |title=Muslim Punk Rock: A Mashup of Piety and Politics |url=https://time.com/archive/6910525/muslim-punk-rock-a-mashup-of-piety-and-politics/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=TIME |language=en}}</ref> Waqar performed with the [[The Kominas|Kominas]] and other acts, often addressing social and political issues and fostering community among diasporic South Asian youth.<ref name=":2" /> During live performances, he occasionally included a folk-punk qawalli referencing the 1947 partition of India, incorporating audience-participation chants such as "They call it partition, itβs more like separation!"<ref name=":3" /> Waqar has cited Sufi mysticism and qawwali devotional music as inspirations.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]==== Sarmust and Opposition to Stereotypes ====[/td]
[td]==== Sarmust and Opposition to Stereotypes ====[/td] [td]By 2009 Waqar was fronting the D.C.βbased punk band Sarmust<ref name=":3" />, touring nationally with the Kominas. He was noted for performing in traditional South Asian clothing such as a black ''salwar kameez'' and a handβpainted jacket. In relation to media coverage received during this period, Waqar remarked that press attention had frequently emphasized the band members' identities and appearance rather than focusing on their musical work itself.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2009-08-12 |title=Nevermind the Islam. It's punk |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-aug-12-et-muslim-punk12-story.html |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> He later expressed ambivalence about the term "Taqwacore," stating that it was "probably better for it to just go away," highlighting his reservations regarding the categorization of the movement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-28 |title=Is Islamic Punk Dead? How Taqwacore Came, Went, and Left A Bittersweet Trail |url=https://siddharthamitter.com/2012/0...acore-came-went-and-left-a-bittersweet-trail/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Siddhartha Mitter |language=en}}</ref>[/td]
[td]By 2009 Waqar was fronting the D.C.βbased punk band Sarmust<ref name=":3" />, touring nationally with the Kominas. He was noted for performing in traditional South Asian clothing such as a black ''salwar kameez'' and a handβpainted jacket, with sections of Persian rug sewn on it. In relation to media coverage received during this period, Waqar remarked that press attention had frequently emphasized the band members' identities and appearance rather than focusing on their musical work itself.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2009-08-12 |title=Nevermind the Islam. It's punk |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-aug-12-et-muslim-punk12-story.html |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> He later expressed ambivalence about the term "Taqwacore," stating that it was "probably better for it to just go away," highlighting his reservations regarding the categorization of the movement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-28 |title=Is Islamic Punk Dead? How Taqwacore Came, Went, and Left A Bittersweet Trail |url=https://siddharthamitter.com/2012/0...acore-came-went-and-left-a-bittersweet-trail/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Siddhartha Mitter |language=en}}</ref>[/td] [td][/td] [td]==== EVILARTORM ====[/td] [td]Waqar performs improvised electronic music songs under the name EVILARTFORM in 2018, he contributed the track "Opium Den" to the compilation BLIGHT.<ref name=":3" /> The song was described as a Punjabi-inflected dance track addressing the colonial origins of America's drug epidemic.<ref name=":3" /> Music from this project was used in films and featured in compilations such as the Beats for Bangladesh compilation, which raises awareness about garment workers,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Choudhury |first=Nila |date=2013-06-20 |title=Brooklyn Shanti and Mishthi Music presents Beats for Bangladesh! |url=http://urbanasian.com/whats-happeni...-mishthi-music-presents-beats-for-bangladesh/ |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> and other remixes for the LA-based Industrial rock group Night of the Hunter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Night of the Hunter on Apple Music |url=https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/night-of-the-hunter/1637738753 |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=Apple Music - Web Player |language=en-CA}}</ref>[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]==== Gardens For the Lush and Evilartform ====[/td]
[td]==== Gardens For the Lush and Evilartform ====[/td] [td]Waqar founded Gardens For the Lush, a project featuring ghazals influenced by anarcho-Sufi philosophy.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=wh |title=Prepping for Meeting Omar Waqar |url=http://www.yellowbuzz.org/2009/06/prepping-for-meeting-omar-waqar.html |access-date=2025-08-25}}</ref> He performs these ghazals in English, combining classical South Asian melodies with elements of punk music. The project has been showcased at various cultural venues, including performances at the [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts|Kennedy Center]] as part of programming highlighting the South Asian diaspora. Waqar also records music under the name Evilartform; in 2018, he contributed the track "Opium Den" to the compilation BLIGHT''.''<ref name=":3" /> The song was described as a Punjabi-inflected dance track addressing the colonial origins of America's drug epidemic.<ref name=":3" />[/td]
[td]Waqar founded Gardens For the Lush, a project featuring ghazals influenced by anarcho-Sufi philosophy.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=wh |title=Prepping for Meeting Omar Waqar |url=http://www.yellowbuzz.org/2009/06/prepping-for-meeting-omar-waqar.html |access-date=2025-08-25}}</ref> He performs these ghazals in English, combining classical South Asian melodies with elements of anarcho-sufi spoken word poetry. The project has been showcased at various cultural venues, including performances at the [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts|Kennedy Center]] as part of programming celebrating sufi love on valentines day.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]=== Musical Style and Themes ===[/td]
[td]=== Musical Style and Themes ===[/td] [td]Waqar's music combines elements of punk and hardcore with traditional South Asian and Middle Eastern musical forms.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2009-09-20 |title=Young Muslims use punk to loosen their religion |url=https://www.meforum.org/islamist-watch/young-muslims-use-punk-to-loosen-their-religion |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250430...ung-muslims-use-punk-to-loosen-their-religion |archive-date=2025-04-30 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=Middle East Forum |language=en-US}}</ref> He plays instruments including the sitar and guitar, and composes and performs ghazals inspired by classical Urdu poetry and qawwali devotional styles.<ref name=":0" /> His lyrics frequently address themes such as racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and social injustice.<ref name=":0" /> The song "Ignorance," released with Diacritical, includes the chant "Stop the hate," which gained recognition as an anti-discrimination statement following the September 11 attacks.<ref name=":1" />[/td]
[td]Waqar's music combines elements of DIY punk and Electronica with traditional South Asian and Middle Eastern musical forms.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2009-09-20 |title=Young Muslims use punk to loosen their religion |url=https://www.meforum.org/islamist-watch/young-muslims-use-punk-to-loosen-their-religion |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250430...ung-muslims-use-punk-to-loosen-their-religion |archive-date=2025-04-30 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=Middle East Forum |language=en-US}}</ref> He plays instruments including the sitar and guitar, and composes and performs alternative rock, noise rock and ghazals inspired by classical Urdu poetry and qawwali devotional styles.<ref name=":0" /> His lyrics frequently address themes such as racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and social injustice.<ref name=":0" /> The song "Ignorance," released with Diacritical, includes the chant "Stop the hate," gained recognition as an anti-discrimination statement following the September 11 attacks.<ref name=":1" />[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]While Waqar's music draws upon his Muslim heritage, he distinguishes his artistic work from religious preaching. He has stated that his intention is not to create explicitly "Muslim music," but rather songs with philosophical and intellectual themes designed to pose questions rather than provide answers.<ref name=":2" /> Waqar has noted that media representations often depict Muslims negatively, and has indicated that musicians within the taqwacore movement seek to present diverse perspectives within Muslim-American communities.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bidoun |title=The Taqwa Bus |url=https://www.bidoun.org/articles/the-taqwa-bus |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=Bidoun |language=en}}</ref>[/td]
[td]While Waqar's music draws upon his Muslim heritage, he distinguishes his artistic work from religious preaching. He has stated that his intention is not to create explicitly "Muslim music," but rather songs with philosophical and intellectual themes designed to pose questions rather than provide answers.<ref name=":2" /> Waqar has noted that media representations often depict Muslims negatively, and has indicated that musicians within the taqwacore movement sought to present diverse perspectives within Muslim-American communities.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bidoun |title=The Taqwa Bus |url=https://www.bidoun.org/articles/the-taqwa-bus |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=Bidoun |language=en}}</ref>[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]=== Visual Art and Activism ===[/td]
[td]=== Visual Art and Activism ===[/td]
Continue reading...
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[td][/td]Revision as of 06:59, 1 September 2025
[/td][td][/td] [td]==== Diacritical and Taqwacore Tours ====[/td]
[td]==== Diacritical and Taqwacore Tours ====[/td] [td]Waqar first gained attention as the guitarist and vocalist of Diacritical, a punk band that blended South Asian musical elements with Western hardcore. During a performance in Fairfax, Virginia, Waqar appeared wearing a black tunic and cap, leading the audience in a chant of "Stop the hate!"<ref name=":1" /> Diacritical was among approximately a dozen U.S. bands associated with the emerging Muslim punk (taqwacore) scene and had plans to tour with groups including Vote Hezbollah, the Kominas, and Al-Thawra.[/td]
[td]Waqar first gained attention as the guitarist and vocalist of Diacritical, a punk band that blended South Asian musical elements with Western hardcore. During a performance in Fairfax, Virginia, Waqar appeared wearing a black tunic and vintage cadet cap, leading the audience in a chant of "Stop the hate!"<ref name=":1" /> Diacritical was among approximately a dozen U.S. bands associated with the emerging Muslim punk (taqwacore) scene and had plans to tour with groups including Vote Hezbollah, the Kominas, and Al-Thawra.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]Waqar participated in the Taqwacore tours across the United States and Canada in the late 2000s<ref name=":4" />. These tours were organized by musicians influenced by Michael Muhammad Knightβs novel ''The [[The Taqwacores|Taqwacores]]'' and featured bands such as the [[The Kominas|Kominas]] and [[Secret Trial Five]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Power |first=Carla |date=2009-12-03 |title=Muslim Punk Rock: A Mashup of Piety and Politics |url=https://time.com/archive/6910525/muslim-punk-rock-a-mashup-of-piety-and-politics/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=TIME |language=en}}</ref> Waqar performed with the [[The Kominas|Kominas]] and other acts, often addressing social and political issues and fostering community among diasporic South Asian youth.<ref name=":2" /> During live performances, he occasionally included songs referencing the 1947 partition of India, incorporating audience-participation chants such as "They call it partition, itβs more like separation!"<ref name=":3" /> Waqar has cited Sufi mysticism and qawwali devotional music as inspirations.[/td]
[td]Waqar participated in the Taqwacore tours across the United States and Canada in the late 2000s<ref name=":4" />. These tours were organized by musicians catalyzed by Michael Muhammad Knightβs novel ''The [[The Taqwacores|Taqwacores]]'' and featured bands such as the [[The Kominas|Kominas]] and [[Secret Trial Five]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Power |first=Carla |date=2009-12-03 |title=Muslim Punk Rock: A Mashup of Piety and Politics |url=https://time.com/archive/6910525/muslim-punk-rock-a-mashup-of-piety-and-politics/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=TIME |language=en}}</ref> Waqar performed with the [[The Kominas|Kominas]] and other acts, often addressing social and political issues and fostering community among diasporic South Asian youth.<ref name=":2" /> During live performances, he occasionally included a folk-punk qawalli referencing the 1947 partition of India, incorporating audience-participation chants such as "They call it partition, itβs more like separation!"<ref name=":3" /> Waqar has cited Sufi mysticism and qawwali devotional music as inspirations.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]==== Sarmust and Opposition to Stereotypes ====[/td]
[td]==== Sarmust and Opposition to Stereotypes ====[/td] [td]By 2009 Waqar was fronting the D.C.βbased punk band Sarmust<ref name=":3" />, touring nationally with the Kominas. He was noted for performing in traditional South Asian clothing such as a black ''salwar kameez'' and a handβpainted jacket. In relation to media coverage received during this period, Waqar remarked that press attention had frequently emphasized the band members' identities and appearance rather than focusing on their musical work itself.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2009-08-12 |title=Nevermind the Islam. It's punk |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-aug-12-et-muslim-punk12-story.html |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> He later expressed ambivalence about the term "Taqwacore," stating that it was "probably better for it to just go away," highlighting his reservations regarding the categorization of the movement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-28 |title=Is Islamic Punk Dead? How Taqwacore Came, Went, and Left A Bittersweet Trail |url=https://siddharthamitter.com/2012/0...acore-came-went-and-left-a-bittersweet-trail/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Siddhartha Mitter |language=en}}</ref>[/td]
[td]By 2009 Waqar was fronting the D.C.βbased punk band Sarmust<ref name=":3" />, touring nationally with the Kominas. He was noted for performing in traditional South Asian clothing such as a black ''salwar kameez'' and a handβpainted jacket, with sections of Persian rug sewn on it. In relation to media coverage received during this period, Waqar remarked that press attention had frequently emphasized the band members' identities and appearance rather than focusing on their musical work itself.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2009-08-12 |title=Nevermind the Islam. It's punk |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-aug-12-et-muslim-punk12-story.html |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> He later expressed ambivalence about the term "Taqwacore," stating that it was "probably better for it to just go away," highlighting his reservations regarding the categorization of the movement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-28 |title=Is Islamic Punk Dead? How Taqwacore Came, Went, and Left A Bittersweet Trail |url=https://siddharthamitter.com/2012/0...acore-came-went-and-left-a-bittersweet-trail/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Siddhartha Mitter |language=en}}</ref>[/td] [td][/td] [td]==== EVILARTORM ====[/td] [td]Waqar performs improvised electronic music songs under the name EVILARTFORM in 2018, he contributed the track "Opium Den" to the compilation BLIGHT.<ref name=":3" /> The song was described as a Punjabi-inflected dance track addressing the colonial origins of America's drug epidemic.<ref name=":3" /> Music from this project was used in films and featured in compilations such as the Beats for Bangladesh compilation, which raises awareness about garment workers,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Choudhury |first=Nila |date=2013-06-20 |title=Brooklyn Shanti and Mishthi Music presents Beats for Bangladesh! |url=http://urbanasian.com/whats-happeni...-mishthi-music-presents-beats-for-bangladesh/ |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> and other remixes for the LA-based Industrial rock group Night of the Hunter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Night of the Hunter on Apple Music |url=https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/night-of-the-hunter/1637738753 |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=Apple Music - Web Player |language=en-CA}}</ref>[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]==== Gardens For the Lush and Evilartform ====[/td]
[td]==== Gardens For the Lush and Evilartform ====[/td] [td]Waqar founded Gardens For the Lush, a project featuring ghazals influenced by anarcho-Sufi philosophy.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=wh |title=Prepping for Meeting Omar Waqar |url=http://www.yellowbuzz.org/2009/06/prepping-for-meeting-omar-waqar.html |access-date=2025-08-25}}</ref> He performs these ghazals in English, combining classical South Asian melodies with elements of punk music. The project has been showcased at various cultural venues, including performances at the [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts|Kennedy Center]] as part of programming highlighting the South Asian diaspora. Waqar also records music under the name Evilartform; in 2018, he contributed the track "Opium Den" to the compilation BLIGHT''.''<ref name=":3" /> The song was described as a Punjabi-inflected dance track addressing the colonial origins of America's drug epidemic.<ref name=":3" />[/td]
[td]Waqar founded Gardens For the Lush, a project featuring ghazals influenced by anarcho-Sufi philosophy.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=wh |title=Prepping for Meeting Omar Waqar |url=http://www.yellowbuzz.org/2009/06/prepping-for-meeting-omar-waqar.html |access-date=2025-08-25}}</ref> He performs these ghazals in English, combining classical South Asian melodies with elements of anarcho-sufi spoken word poetry. The project has been showcased at various cultural venues, including performances at the [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts|Kennedy Center]] as part of programming celebrating sufi love on valentines day.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]=== Musical Style and Themes ===[/td]
[td]=== Musical Style and Themes ===[/td] [td]Waqar's music combines elements of punk and hardcore with traditional South Asian and Middle Eastern musical forms.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2009-09-20 |title=Young Muslims use punk to loosen their religion |url=https://www.meforum.org/islamist-watch/young-muslims-use-punk-to-loosen-their-religion |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250430...ung-muslims-use-punk-to-loosen-their-religion |archive-date=2025-04-30 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=Middle East Forum |language=en-US}}</ref> He plays instruments including the sitar and guitar, and composes and performs ghazals inspired by classical Urdu poetry and qawwali devotional styles.<ref name=":0" /> His lyrics frequently address themes such as racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and social injustice.<ref name=":0" /> The song "Ignorance," released with Diacritical, includes the chant "Stop the hate," which gained recognition as an anti-discrimination statement following the September 11 attacks.<ref name=":1" />[/td]
[td]Waqar's music combines elements of DIY punk and Electronica with traditional South Asian and Middle Eastern musical forms.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2009-09-20 |title=Young Muslims use punk to loosen their religion |url=https://www.meforum.org/islamist-watch/young-muslims-use-punk-to-loosen-their-religion |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250430...ung-muslims-use-punk-to-loosen-their-religion |archive-date=2025-04-30 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=Middle East Forum |language=en-US}}</ref> He plays instruments including the sitar and guitar, and composes and performs alternative rock, noise rock and ghazals inspired by classical Urdu poetry and qawwali devotional styles.<ref name=":0" /> His lyrics frequently address themes such as racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and social injustice.<ref name=":0" /> The song "Ignorance," released with Diacritical, includes the chant "Stop the hate," gained recognition as an anti-discrimination statement following the September 11 attacks.<ref name=":1" />[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]While Waqar's music draws upon his Muslim heritage, he distinguishes his artistic work from religious preaching. He has stated that his intention is not to create explicitly "Muslim music," but rather songs with philosophical and intellectual themes designed to pose questions rather than provide answers.<ref name=":2" /> Waqar has noted that media representations often depict Muslims negatively, and has indicated that musicians within the taqwacore movement seek to present diverse perspectives within Muslim-American communities.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bidoun |title=The Taqwa Bus |url=https://www.bidoun.org/articles/the-taqwa-bus |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=Bidoun |language=en}}</ref>[/td]
[td]While Waqar's music draws upon his Muslim heritage, he distinguishes his artistic work from religious preaching. He has stated that his intention is not to create explicitly "Muslim music," but rather songs with philosophical and intellectual themes designed to pose questions rather than provide answers.<ref name=":2" /> Waqar has noted that media representations often depict Muslims negatively, and has indicated that musicians within the taqwacore movement sought to present diverse perspectives within Muslim-American communities.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bidoun |title=The Taqwa Bus |url=https://www.bidoun.org/articles/the-taqwa-bus |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=Bidoun |language=en}}</ref>[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]=== Visual Art and Activism ===[/td]
[td]=== Visual Art and Activism ===[/td]
Continue reading...
