Mystical maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan from Gorakh Dhanda to Rashk-e-Qamar

His mystical songs and distinct voice in ranges of tones transfixed millions.

16 August,2018 02:50 pm

(WebDesk) - Twenty one years have been passed and the memories of melodious and mellow voice of legendry Qawwali maestro Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan still subsists in the hearts and minds of the nation. 21st death anniversary of qawwali maestro is being commemorated. He died on August 16, 1997 in London.

The King of Qawwali, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was one among the fortunate and God-gifted artists of the sub-continent who had gained unparallel recognition and appreciation across the globe. People admired his voice and music pieces with same passion and reverence in west as his work got the acknowledgement in east. For years and years, his mystical songs transfixed millions. His vocal range and sheer intensity were unsurpassed.

He was widely treasured when he reshaped traditional qawwalis with a fusion of east and west notes with advanced musical instruments and on the beats of popular musical trends. During his musical journey, he paired up with many renowned and globally celebrated artists including Eddie Vedar, Peter Gabriel, Jeff Buckley, and Michael Brook. His popularity echoed in the musical studios of India as well. He not only sang many songs for Bollywood also composed music for few movies as well which sky-rocketed him to new heights of fame and esteem.

His other famous in India include his memorable album with the renowned urdu poet, bollywood lyricist and playwright Jawed Akhtar, ‘Afreen’. Afreen made him household name in India. He even gave appearance few of Indian movies featuring his songs.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with the Indian movie Aur Pyar Ho Gaya cast in India. Photo: DNA India

The Music maestro was born in Faisalabad and belonged to a renowned Qawwal family. He had given his first performance at the age of 16 only and, went on to regale the world with his music. He was a Grammy nominee and received numerous honours including the UNESCO Music Prize and the ‘Legends’ award at the UK Asian Music Awards in 2005. His is widely recognized as one of the greatest voices ever recorded. He had been bestowed with hundreds of national and international awards across the world.

His father and his paternal uncle, both were known as the most celebrated Qawwal of their times. His distinct voice in ranges of tones attracted the music lovers from his early performances. Khan possessed a six-octave vocal range and could perform at a high level of intensity for several hours.

Shahnsha-e-Qawwali performed allover the world. Photo: File

Known as ‘Shahenshah e Qawwali’ that means ‘The King of Kings of Qawwali’, Khan having to his name a total of 125 albums, holds the world record for the largest recorded output by a Qawwali artist.

Almost every piece he sang or arranged for other, gained success but few of his songs and qawwalis turned into some everlasting melodies.

Enthralled with the charisma of the notes he arranged and the lyrics he selected for his compositions, still musicians all over the world endeavor to recreate the magic of his renditions. Here is given few of his never to be forgotten music compositions which are still as celebrated as they were yesterday:

1- Saanoon Ik Pal Chain Na Aaye