NFAK being remembered by people beyond the barriers of language and nationality.
Voice from heaven, the qawwali maestro Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was born on October 13, 1948 and would have been 69 today.
The maestro died tragically in 1997, but who would believe that, given how his songs are still played at every event in Pakistan, India and worldwide. The remixes and tributes have helped successfully impart his rich music legacy to the generation that was born after his demise.
Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was labelled as a rebel even during his time for his “deviation” from what was perceived as pure Eastern qawwali at the time and embracing modern musical instruments as a way to connect the new generation with the traditional music.
He became an instant hit worldwide also for a reason that he did not insult the music of other countries and instead embraced it. His collaboration with musicians from other countries and connecting Eastern and Western music made him an instant hit among his Western audiences as well.
A reason why people in the West paid to attend his concerts and then get captivated by a genre of music that had been unknown to them.
Take the most recent Mere Rashke Qamar from Ajay Devgn’s film Baadshaho for example. The song has been recreated with new lyrics sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan while also carrying the original Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s vocals. The reinvented song became an instant hit accumulating millions of views online.
Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan entered the world of music with traditional qawwalis with a blend of modern instruments. His participation in the World Music and Dance Festival added to his international prominence after which there was no stopping for him.
The maestro released at least 25 qawwali albums successfully winning several awards globally. His songs Haq Ali Ali and Dam Mast Qalandar became massive hits.
Other hits that topped charts at the time include Akhiyan Udeek Diyan, Yaar Na Wichray, Mera Piya Ghar Aya and Meri Zindagi.
Ustaad was also regarded as a maestro of Sufi music because of many of his hit spiritual songs. His national song Mera Inaam Pakistan is still played at official events as if it was released yesterday.
Not only that, but Ustaad gave several hits on romance and love as well. In his short stint in Bollywood, he gave music for three films and collaborated with artists like Javed Akhtar.
Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was suffering from lever and kidney problems and reportedly died on August 16, 1997 after cardiac arrest in London leaving the fans worldwide in shock and mourning.
He will be forever in our hearts. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
