SENSUAL and bewitching sounds and stories are coming to Dorchester Arts Centre on Saturday.

Najma, pictured right, divulges tales of the heart through song and poetry drawing on both Indian Ghazal and Western Folk traditions.

One of world music’s innovators, for over two decades Najma has brought together western jazz and Indian classical to create her own distinct style. For this Routes South West tour she presents the romantic Urdu poetry of the Ghazal in song, exploring lyrics written by traditional and contemporary Sufi writers.

One of the earliest forms of romantic poetry, with roots back to the 6th century, a Ghazal is essentially a love poem.

Woven amongst these are traditional English and Irish ballads.

Using both the traditional and contemporary Indian singing styles, Najma performs with her five piece band on Indian harmonium, violin, bass, percussion and guitar.

Together they create a rich, evocative sound which underpins Najma’s soulful voice and transports the audience through the powerful emotions the songs convey.

Najma established herself as a pioneering vocalist during the late 1980s with her widely acclaimed first album Qareeb, introducing jazz to the traditional repertoire of Ghazal. This album was hailed as a groundbreaking recording in the world music scene and has since paved the way for many artists of Indian descent. She has since collaborated with Jimmy Page, Phillip Glass, Robert Plant and Basement Jaxx.

Now with seven solo albums to her name, Najma’s music encompasses world jazz, Asian Underground, blues and more.

This special programme promises a mesmerising and intimate musical evening exploring the heart’s sorrow and euphoria through the evocative sound of Najma’s British and Indian roots.

Najma is at Dorchester Arts Centre on Saturday from 8pm.