Admirers of qawwal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in Pakistan and abroad are observing his 78th birth anniversary on Tuesday. The late singer’s commanding voice helped carry Sufi devotional music to audiences across the world.
Nusrat was born on October 13, 1948, in Faisalabad, then known as Lyallpur. He came from a family whose qawwali tradition stretched back centuries. His father, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, was a celebrated qawwal who played a key role in passing that heritage on.
How Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan took qawwali abroad
After his father’s death, Nusrat took charge of the family ensemble while still young and gave the genre a distinctive identity. His brother, Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan, performed alongside him, while Rahat Fateh Ali Khan began his musical journey under Nusrat’s guidance.
Nusrat was known for a powerful, resonant voice, extended vocal improvisations and a strong command of melody. These qualities helped carry qawwali beyond South Asia to international stages, drawing in listeners who had no prior familiarity with the form. Sufi poetry remained at the heart of his repertoire.
His best-known performances include the following:
- Allah Hoo Allah Hoo
- Dama Dam Mast Qalandar
- Ali Maula Ali Maula
- Yaad-e-Nabi (PBUH)
His rendition of Amir Khusro’s Aaj Rang Hai also became one of his signature performances.
Collaborations, film music and popular songs
Nusrat’s work with Canadian guitarist Michael Brook introduced his distinctive vocal style to new audiences. His music also featured in international films, including Dead Man Walking and Bandit Queen.
He collaborated with Western musicians, including Peter Gabriel and Eddie Vedder, composed music for films and performed at concerts around the world. He also lent his voice to numerous Lollywood and Bollywood soundtracks. Beyond devotional music, songs and ghazals such as Mera Piya Ghar Aaya, Afreen Afreen and Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai won him wide popularity.
A legacy that continues to reach new listeners
The government of Pakistan honoured Nusrat with the Pride of Performance award in recognition of his contribution to music. He died in London on August 16, 1997, at the age of 48.
Nearly three decades after his death, his recordings continue to reach audiences across generations, keeping his distinctive voice and musical legacy alive.
