Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (1948–1997) was a legendary Pakistani musician, renowned for his mastery of qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music. Born as Pervez Fateh Ali Khan in Faisalabad, he gave his first public performance at the age of 15 during his father's chelum. Taking over his family’s qawwali group in 1971, he revolutionized the genre with his exceptional vocal range, rhythmic innovation, and a unique fusion of sargam and khayal techniques. Known as the "Shahenshah-e-Qawwali" (King of Qawwali), his influence extended beyond Pakistan to become a global icon of spiritual music.

Nusrat’s powerful and emotional performances could last for hours, captivating audiences worldwide. In the 1980s, he signed with Oriental Star Agencies in England, marking the start of his international journey. He released music in Europe, the U.S., India, and Japan, collaborating with prominent Western artists like Peter Gabriel and Eddie Vedder. His fusion of traditional qawwali with modern sounds introduced the genre to international audiences, earning him a significant place in world music. He also contributed to Bollywood soundtracks and inspired South Asian pop and Pakistani music...Read More »