Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan remembered as king of qawwali

FAISALABAD: Twenty-eight years have passed since the legendary maestro of Qawwali, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, left his fans, yet his voice continues to resonate across the world.

Born on October 13, 1948, in Faisalabad, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan received his early musical training from his father and teacher, Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan. With his unparalleled style and powerful vocals, he redefined Qawwali and brought Sufi poetry to newer generations in a refreshing manner.

From the iconic “Dum Mast Qalandar” to “Ali Ali”, his timeless renditions achieved global recognition. After gaining his first major public acclaim with “Haq Ali Ali” in 1971, Nusrat went on to record over 1,000 Qawwalis and 125 albums. His contribution earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, making him not only a cultural ambassador of Pakistan but also a shining star in the global music industry.

The Qawwali maestro’s monumental hits, such as “Dum Mast Qalandar,” gained immense popularity worldwide. His incredible work ethic led him to release more than 1,000 qawwalis and 125 albums, earning him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records and making him a global ambassador for Pakistan.

His pioneering fusion projects with Canadian guitarist Michael Brook and his collaboration with Peter Gabriel on the album “Must Must” cemented his status as a musical icon who seamlessly bridged the gap between Eastern and Western music.

A true cultural ambassador, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s contributions were widely celebrated. He was honored with numerous prestigious awards, including the Pride of Performance and a UNESCO Music Award. His influence transcended borders, gaining him immense fame in neighboring India, where he lent his mesmerizing voice to several Bollywood films.

Though he passed away in London on August 16, 1997, due to a heart attack, his powerful voice remains immortal. Even today, his qawwalis continue to move audiences to a state of spiritual ecstasy, keeping his artistic spirit alive for generations to come.