Tag: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

  • Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s album Chain of Light released after 30 years

    Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s album Chain of Light released after 30 years

    More than 30 years after it was recorded, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s legendary voice returns with the release of Chain of Light, a lost album released on Friday by Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records.

    The album was recorded in 1990 at Real World Studios. There are four tracks in the 41-minute album.

    The songs, including ‘Ya Allah Ya Rehman’ and ‘Aaj Sik Mitran Di’ take listeners back to the energy of Khan’s live concerts.

    The track ‘Ya Gaus Ya Meeran’ adds intensity, while ‘Khabram Raseed Imshab’ offers a joyful tone, highlighting the range of Khan’s legendary vocals.

    In addition to Nusrat on harmonium and vocals, the album features his brother Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan, tabla player Dildar Hussain, and chorus members Mujahid Ali, Rehmat Ali, Rahat Ali, Asad Ali, Ghulam Farid, and Khalid Mahmood.

    Peter Gabriel, founder of Real World Records, shared his admiration for Nusrat when the album was first announced in June.

    “What he could do with his voice was extraordinary,” said Gabriel. “We were proud to help bring him to a wider global audience. This album shows him at his peak.”

    The recordings were rediscovered in 2021 after being forgotten in storage during the label’s archive relocation.

    Gabriel called the rediscovery a “real delight,” noting that Chain of Light reveals Nusrat at his best.

    He passed away in 1997 at the age of 48, but he remains an influential figure in world music. His family members, including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and his sons, continue his legacy.

  • Rahat Fateh Ali Khan reveals unique nickname given to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan by the West

    Rahat Fateh Ali Khan reveals unique nickname given to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan by the West

    It was not just a loss for Pakistan but for the entire world when Qawali maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan died at the peak of his career in 1997.

    His nephew, renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has now revealed that Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s qawwali ‘Allah Hoo Allah Hoo’ was so loved by Westerners that they started calling him ‘Mr. Allah Hoo.’

    Recently, he spoke to the media in Canada and said, “Toronto is my second home because Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s wife used to live here and I used to come and stay at her house, my memories are associated with this city.”

    He further added, “My son Shah Zaman is performing on the big stage at a young age, he has learned by listening and singing along with Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan from the age of six.”

    He said, “Qawwali is my favorite genre in the art of music, there is freedom in Qawwali in which there is an opportunity to sing openly.”

    “We come abroad with the smell of the soil of our country,” he added
    He said that like the West, “I also liked Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Allah Ho Allah Ho’ the most.”

    Now he is doing shows in North America with his son Shah Zaman Ali Khan.

  • Rahat’s son, Shahzaman, makes debut with new song for Bismil. Does he still sound like Nusrat?

    Rahat’s son, Shahzaman, makes debut with new song for Bismil. Does he still sound like Nusrat?

    It’s been 26 years since Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan passed away, and his fans still miss him deeply. His nephew Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has become a famous singer too but Nusrat’s unique voice has never been replaced.

    A few months ago, a video of Rahat’s son Shahzaman went viral when viewers realised he sounds incredibly similar to maestro Nusrat.

    A new chapter in the Khan family’s musical journey has begun with Shahzaman officially stepping into the spotlight. He has debuted on television with his first original soundtrack for the ARY Digital drama serial ‘Bismil.’

    Shahzaman shared the news of his debut song on his Instagram account with the caption, “I’m thrilled to announce bismil OST is finally out now!! so much hard work and dedication was put into the making of this song by the crew, a big shoutout to the whole crew and everyone who made this possible. I invite you all to listen to “BISMIL OST” link in bio.<3”

    Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has also sang hit songs and OST such as ‘Zaroori Tha,’ ‘O RePiya’, ‘Sajdaa; ‘Khaani’ and ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho.’

    The story of Bismil is a captivating tale of a woman driven by an unrelenting ambition to achieve her dreams, no matter the cost. As she chases the heights of success, she finds herself navigating a treacherous path where love can turn deadly and trust is a fragile commodity. It is written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and directed by director: Aehsun Talish.

    Here is the link of the OST:

    Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has teamed up with his son Shahzaman Ali Khan for a special musical project called ‘Biakul Jiyara The Legacy’, bringing something extra for fans.

    Rahat announced the song’s release with much fanfare on his social media. The song is available on popular streaming platforms, showcasing the talents of both father and son. Their voices blend beautifully, creating a captivating musical experience.

    ‘Biakul Jiyara The Legacy’ released after a period of controversy for the award-winning singer. Despite uncertainty among fans, the new release seems to signal a promising comeback. With its timeless melodies and meaningful lyrics, the Qawali is expected to appeal to audiences of all ages.

    Read more:Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, son Shahzaman present mesmerizing musical experience

  • ‘REINCARNATION’: Rahat’s son sounds just like Nusrat, leaving social media spooked

    Its been 26 years since Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan passed away, leaving the country in such deep mourning that it hasn’t ended yet.

    And though his nephew Rahat Fateh Ali Khan became a star in his own right, the Nusrat sized hole in our souls remained hollow.

    Until now.

    A viral video showing Rahat’s son Shahzaman, has taken social media by storm, astonishing users because of how similar the son sounds to the original maestro, Nusrat.

    A twitter user Dan Qayyum, shared the video, shot at a concert in the USA.

    Soon fans of the Qawalli singer from both Pakistan and India showered praises on young Shahnazam’s talent, proving that by the end of the day music does truly transcend borders!

    Shahnazam does not have an official Instagram account, but many users have spotted him in concert rehersals with his father, where he once even wrote a caption:

    What a great dad he is!
    Lets me occupy his seat as he takes mine.
    Knowing that i still have to earn this seat but still how willingly he wants to see me on this seat.
    How blessed I am to have a father & an Ustad like my dad❤️
    – Shahzaman Ali Khan ”

    So does he sound exactly like Nusrat?

    You decide.

  • In celebration of World Music Day, here are our top picks

    In celebration of World Music Day, here are our top picks

    June 21 is celebrated as World Music Day. The world music day calls for—music, of course.

    Possibly the ubiquitous form of art is music:  you hear it blaring at rallies, long marches, softly playing in the background at restaurants, and in the shower as a family member pretends to be a rockstar.

    The Current has compiled a list of ten songs to honor Pakistani music and the many forms, from qawwali to rap, that our country has produced.

    1. Ye Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai by Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

    2. Boohey Bariyaan by Hadiqa Kiani

    3. Mahiya Tere Pyar Nai by Fariha Pervez

    4. Kaho Ek Din by Ahmed Jehanzaib

    5. Kameez Teri Kali by Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi

    6. Aankhon ke Sagar by Shafqat Amanat Ali

    7. Baaghi by Shuja Haider

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPD82TLfIR4

    8. Kana Yaari by Kaifi Khalil, Eva B and Wahab Bugti

    9. Pasoori by Shae Gill and Ali Sethi

    10. Joona by Hassan Raheem

    Happy listening!

  • Arijit Singh melts hearts by connecting with Pakistani fan

    Arijit Singh melts hearts by connecting with Pakistani fan

    Indian singer Arijit Singh has touched millions of hearts after his interaction with a Pakistani fan.

    Singh was performing in Toronto, Canada, where his fans from different parts of the world were in attendance.

    One fan in the crowd brought a Pakistani flag to the concert. A security guard, upon noticing the flag, asked the fan to stop waving it but Arijit Singh stepped in.

    Singh, after acknowledging the Pakistani fan and flag, began to sing Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Tere bin nahi lagda’.

    Arjit Singh is not new to expressing his love toward Pakistani musicians as the Tum Hi Ho singer expressed his concern about the singers being banned in his country.

  • Video: When legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan reacted to Bollywood copying his songs

    Legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a powerhouse vocalist, musician, composer and music director, primarily known for his qawwali. He has been an inspiration to many musicians across the globe.

    While Khan is widely credited for introducing qawwali music to the international audience, he has also had a big impact on contemporary South Asian popular music, including Bollywood music.

    The Shahenshah-e-Qawwali once opened up about music composers copying his music. He even took names of composers Anu Malik and Viju Shah.

    While interacting with Zee TV a few decades ago, Khan was asked about Indian music directors, who were inspired by his work. Responding to the question on who he thought made the ‘best copy’ of his songs and deserved the ‘best copy award’, the Pakistani musician said, “Not best copy, they have done good work. Viju Shah has done well. Anu Malik has also copied me well.

    Bollywood has often been called out for plagiarising Khan’s songs.

    Hindi cinema has been accused of adapting and copying NFAK’s qawwalis and songs a few of which include, Mera Piya Ghar Aya, Kitna Pyara Tujhay Rab Ne Banaya’ which happened to be a rip-off NFAK’s song ‘Kina Sona Tenu Rab Ne Banaya’ and another ‘Mujhe Ek Pal Chain Na Awe’ from the film Judaai that happened to be a copy of ‘Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Awe’ by the legend himself.

  • Grammy nominated Pakistani Arooj Aftab in new Coke Studio season, people can’t wait

    Grammy nominated Pakistani Arooj Aftab in new Coke Studio season, people can’t wait

    Coke Studio has revealed the line-up of December 2021’s Coke Studio season 14 in which the first Pakistani woman Grammy-nominated musician, Arooj Aftab is taking part. Netizens are expressing their excitement after the singer uploaded her coke studio poster on her social media accounts.

    Netizens expressed their excitement on her social media accounts

    https://twitter.com/sshireenqasim/status/1479379167896653827
    https://twitter.com/parlegstan/status/1479164715783704579

    While promoting the music show she wrote, “For folks who are phased by this – this is not an advertisement or endorsement. It’s a sponsored music show, the only major music platform in Pakistan. So this one is really for the culture! ❤️”

    Arooj Aftab was born in Saudi Arabia where she lived until she turned 11. She then moved to her hometown, Lahore with her family. She described her family as “fiendy music lovers” as they used to sit together and had deep conversations regarding music.

    She was raised listening to legendary musician and Qawwali singer, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and singer-songwriters like Jeff Buckley. She also covered the song, “Hallelujah” during her teenage time in the early 2000s which went viral in Pakistan through email and file-sharing sites like Napster and Limewire.

    Last year, The Grammies, the biggest music awards in the world, nominated her in the Best New Artist category and also for the Best Global Performance for her song, Mohabbat which also made it to the Summer playlist 2021 of Former United States (US) President, Barack Obama.

    Unfortunately, the Grammy Awards have been postponed indefinitely due to the rapid spread of the Omicron type of coronavirus, according to organisers. It was supposed to be held in a downtown Los Angeles arena on January 31 and broadcast live on the CBS network.

  • Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to be honoured with a museum, music institute

    Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to be honoured with a museum, music institute

    A museum and music institute will be set up in Faisalabad in memory of late musical legend Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

    Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, while speaking to a local media outlet, said that the building, which will be constructed in his hometown Faisalabad, will take three to four months to be completed.

    Rahat added that the building will serve as a music academy and a museum.

    Khan, popularly referred to as the ‘King of Qawwali’ died at the age of 48 on August 16, 1997 leaving a legacy of over 125 albums.

    Nusrat was born on October 13, 1948 in Faisalabad and hailed from a family of qawwals.

    The great musical legend had his first public performance at the age of 16, at his father’s chehlum and went on to gather world renown with his unmatched voice and musical credentials.

    Popularly known as Shahenshah-e-Qawwali meaning ‘The King of Qawwali’, Nusrat is widely credited with introducing qawwali music to international audiences.

    During his lifetime, Nusrat collaborated with several foreign artists, including Eddie Vedder, Peter Gabriel, Jeff Buckley, Michael Brook. He was also included in the Guinness Book of World Records.

    Most of Nusrat’s songs including, Allah Hoo Allah Hoo and Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai have been remixed and produced again. However, his vocals remain unmatched. 

  • Hadiqa Kiani’s ‘Jaanay Iss Dil’ is Indo-Pak’s first female qawwali

    After a powerful acting debut in Hum TV’s Raqeeb Se, Hadiqa Kiani has enthralled fans with her first qawaali Jaanay Iss Dil.

    In an exclusive interview with The Current, Hadiqa revealed that Jaanay Iss Dil is Indo-Pak’s “first-ever female qawwali“.

    The composition is nothing like anything has Kiani has ever done before. The award-winning singer collaborated with the legendary qawaali icon, late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s patent Tabla player, Ustad Dildar Hussain for Jaanay Iss Dil.

    “Qawaali is indeed the purest form of music. Having had the opportunity to jump into a genre that is somewhat outside my comfort zone, I have an even greater appreciation for the art that is Qawaali,” said Kiani while talking about her latest venture. “The opportunity to work with Ustad Dildar Hussain, someone who has been an important part of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s entourage was nothing short of extraordinary.”

    Later, while celebrating the qawwali’s success and the response it got, Hadiqa said that “this was a project of love”, adding that she is grateful that her audiences “were able to connect to our message through the power of pure music.”

    “No auto-tuners, no heavy machines, just the beauty of our regional music, our language, our instruments,” she added.

    Meanwhile, the poetry of the qawwali has been selected by Abrar Hussain and verses of numerous classic poets have been incorporated to enrich it with Girah Bundi.

    The qawwali has been musically arranged and recorded live by one of Pakistan’s leading music producers and Hadiqa’s long-time collaborator and brother, Irfan Kiani, without the use of click track or auto-tuners. Kiani also incorporated the all-elusive Sarangi instrument to add to the beauty of this qawaali. The sound has been mixed and mastered by Eva Kiani.

    Read more – Hadiqa Kiani pays a rich tribute to Ertuğrul with a song in Turkish

    The qawaali has been produced by Mian Yousaf Salahuddin for Sufiscore and has been visually captured by director Abdullah Haris. Mohsin Naveed Ranjha did the wardrobe while Shahama Sajid designed the set.

    Listen to it here: