Ruhbaru will make its debut in December 2026 with Chapter One: The Orchestral Qawwali Project (OQP), a musical production that brings qawwali into conversation with Western orchestral composition, South Asian music and Indian classical traditions. Featuring composer Rushil Ranjan and vocalist Abi Sampa, the four-city India tour will travel to Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai.
The project is organised by BAE (Before Anyone Else), an experience-first live entertainment platform from ABP Network, and creatively produced by Cultural (Mis)fits.
About The Orchestral Qawwali Project
Founded in 2020 by Ranjan and Sampa, The Orchestral Qawwali Project explores how the spiritual intensity and improvisational freedom of qawwali can work within the scale and structure of an orchestra. Its musical approach combines qawwali with Western classical, South Asian and Indian classical traditions, alongside classical dance.
The project has performed at several prominent international venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, Roundhouse, Barbican and Symphony Hall Birmingham. Following their 2024 performance at the Royal Albert Hall, Ranjan and Sampa were named Associate Artists of the institution. Their interpretation of the 700-year-old qawwali Man Kunto Maula has also reached millions of viewers online.
Rushil Ranjan and Abi Sampa
Ranjan is an award-winning composer and producer whose work brings Western orchestral and choral traditions into dialogue with the devotional and classical music of South Asia. His work spans concert music, dance productions, television and film.
Sampa is a qawwal, veena virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist. Her vocal practice combines South Asian classical musicianship with the improvisational intensity of qawwali. Together, the artists have developed a musical approach that places a centuries-old devotional tradition within a contemporary orchestral setting.
Ruhbaru’s First Chapter
Ruhbaru is conceived as an ongoing cultural platform, with each chapter introducing a different artist, sound or tradition. The Orchestral Qawwali Project is its first programme. Future chapters are intended to explore other musical forms and cultural practices, with an emphasis on connecting artists with audiences beyond familiar language and genre boundaries.
India Tour: Dates and Venues
The December 2026 tour will include four performances:
- 5 December 2026: Yashobhoomi, Delhi
- 6 December 2026: Terraform Arena, Bengaluru
- 12 December 2026: Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad
- 13 December 2026: JW Marriott Sahar, Mumbai
Tickets are listed as available through District. Performance timings, ticket prices and direct booking links were not included in the supplied press release.
| Event | Details |
| Name | Ruhbaru: Chapter One – The Orchestral Qawwali Project |
| Artists | Rushil Ranjan and Abi Sampa |
| Venue | Yashobhoomi; Terraform Arena; Ramoji Film City; JW Marriott Sahar |
| City | Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai |
| Dates | 5, 6, 12 and 13 December 2026 |
| Organiser | BAE (Before Anyone Else), from ABP Network |
| Creative Producer | Cultural (Mis)fits |
| Entry / Registration | Tickets available through District. |
Takeaway
The Orchestral Qawwali Project marks the first chapter of Ruhbaru, a cultural platform intended to bring diverse musical traditions to wider audiences.
Its December 2026 tour will introduce the collaboration between Rushil Ranjan and Abi Sampa to audiences across four Indian cities.
Readers can check District for ticket availability and further event information.
