Faisalabad – Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s the artiste often described as the “Uncrowned King of Melodies” left an immortal print in music. Twenty-seven years have passed since he departed from this world but his legacy is still going strong and has touched millions of hearts worldwide.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Nusrat’s father Ustad Fateh Ali Khan and his uncle Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan both belonged to a well-known family of Qawwals in Faisalabad. As a result, Nusrat was born into a musical heritage that made his success in his musical career almost certain. At 16, he began to be tutored in Qawwali by his family; an art form with deep Sufi roots.
Master of Diverse Musical Genres
Although Ustad Nusrat rose to prominence as a Qawwal singer, it is worth noting that not only was he multi-talented but also had expertise in several genres including Ghazals, classical compositions, and Rufina kalam. Whenever he performed these songs, which showed different aspects of him as an artist, they carried emotions so deep that they surpassed across borders finding audiences all over the world. His fan following was not limited to Pakistan and India alone but extended beyond the continents. He earned himself the title Shahenshah-e-Qawwali (The King of Qawwali) for infusing Sufism into his performances.
Innovations and Global Recognition
One thing that separated Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s career from others was its innovation. To bring modernity to the Qawwali music genre while merging it with traditional sounds. Nusrat extensively used Western music instruments like guitars, keyboards synthesizers, etc. Consequently, the fusion not only gave qawwali freshness but also spread it globally thereby making it comprehensible to the global community. His qawwali “Dam Mast Qalandar Ali Ali” became a spiritual anthem that resonated with his listeners across the borders.
Other than “Dam Mast Qalandar,” some of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s timeless pieces include “Wohi Khuda Hai, Saanson Ki Maala, Akhiyan Udeek Diyan,” and “Gorakh Dhanda. These songs have become part of the collective memory of his fans, who testify that they represent art at its best.
A Record-Breaking Career
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan has received not only awards from prestigious institutions but also recognition from world record books as well. He made 125 albums on Qawwali music alone and so entered into Guinness World Records. For many musicians, he has set a standard for their work. His influence can be seen in Bollywood soundtracks and western pop music among other musical genres.
The Final Chapter
For all his great achievements, Nusrat was still a humble and dedicated artist. Regrettably, he succumbed to kidney illness and died aged 49 on August 16, 1997. Before it was too late, Nusrat’s voice filled with passion. And devotion would echo within the souls of millions of his fans thereby keeping him alive in spirit forever.
Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan has made an invaluable contribution to music, including Qawwali. His blend of tradition and innovation elevated Qawwali from the local level to the global stage, inspiring musicians across borders. Even 27 years after his death, his songs continue to be a comfort and happiness. And spiritual enlightenment to many showing that legends never die.
