Faisalabad-born maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, celebrated as the “Shahenshah-e-Qawwali” (King of Qawwali), is being remembered today on his 28th death anniversary. The legendary singer, who passed away on August 16, 1997, in London, continues to inspire millions with his timeless voice.
Born on October 13, 1948, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was trained by his father and mentor Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan. Rising to fame in 1971 with the popular qawwali Haqq Ali Ali, he went on to record more than a thousand qawwalis and release over 125 albums. His remarkable achievements earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records and established him as a global cultural ambassador for Pakistan.
Among his most celebrated works are Dum Mast Qalandar and Ali Ali, which brought Sufi poetry to younger generations in a fresh and powerful way. His collaborations in the 1990s with international artists, including Canadian guitarist Michael Brook and British musician Peter Gabriel, introduced qawwali to Western audiences. Their joint project, Mustt Mustt, became a milestone in world music and expanded his influence far beyond South Asia.
Throughout his career, Khan received several international honors, including Pakistan’s Pride of Performance award and the UNESCO Music Prize. His voice also resonated across Bollywood, where he lent his vocals to multiple hit soundtracks.
Even after nearly three decades, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music continues to transcend borders and generations. His qawwalis still echo at gatherings worldwide, keeping his legacy alive as one of the greatest voices in the history of music.
