Remembering Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on his 78th birth anniversary

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and music lovers around the world are marking the 78th birth anniversary of legendary qawwal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on Tuesday, celebrating the singer whose powerful voice helped bring Sufi music to international audiences.

Born on October 13, 1948, in Faisalabad, then known as Lyallpur, Nusrat came from a family with a centuries-old tradition of qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music.

His father, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, was a renowned qawwal who played a key role in passing on the family’s musical tradition. After his father’s death, Nusrat took charge of the family’s qawwali ensemble at a young age and went on to give the genre a distinctive identity.

 

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His brother, Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan, performed alongside him, while Rahat Fateh Ali Khan began his musical journey under Nusrat’s tutelage.

Taking qawwali to the world

Known for his powerful, resonant voice, extended vocal improvisations and command of melody, Nusrat helped take qawwali beyond South Asia to international stages, earning recognition among audiences unfamiliar with the traditional genre.

Sufi poetry remained central to his repertoire. His best-known performances include Allah Hoo Allah Hoo, Dama Dam Mast Qalandar, Ali Maula Ali Maula and Yaad-e-Nabi (PBUH). His rendition of Amir Khusro’s Aaj Rang Hai also became one of his signature performances.

Beyond devotional music, Nusrat won widespread popularity with songs and ghazals such as Mera Piya Ghar Aaya, Tumhe Dillagi Bhool Jani Paregi, Afreen Afreen, Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai, Saanson Ki Mala Pe and Kinna Sohna.

International collaborations and film music

Nusrat’s collaborations with international musicians further expanded his global reach. His work with Canadian guitarist Michael Brook helped introduce his distinctive vocal style to new audiences, while his music featured in international films, including Dead Man Walking and Bandit Queen.

He also collaborated with Western musicians, including Peter Gabriel and Eddie Vedder, composed music for films and performed at concerts around the world.

Alongside his international projects, Nusrat lent his voice to numerous Lollywood and Bollywood film soundtracks, strengthening his influence across the South Asian music industry.

His ability to combine traditional qawwali with diverse musical influences helped establish him as one of the most internationally recognised Pakistani musicians.

A legacy that endures

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, aged 48. Nearly three decades after his death, his recordings continue to reach audiences across generations, keeping his distinctive voice and musical legacy alive.