Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s contribution to the music industry has been majestic, that of a legend. He was the first one to introduce the genre of Qawwali to the international arena and he was able enthrall the whole world with his powerful vocals and intense love for Sufism.
Popularly called ‘Shahenshah-e-Qawwali’ and the ‘Voice of heaven,’ with almost 125 Qawwali albums to his credit, we at Daily Pakistan commemorate his 20th death anniversary today remembering his extraordinary voice and example of fusion music through his top-ten qawwali numbers.
Afreen Afreen
Quite famous amongst the love birds, there could be no better, beautiful and graceful way to praise the beauty of a beloved than the way Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan did in this melodious number.
https://youtu.be/iViz1ZG4AWs
Ye Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai
This mellifluous qawwali is set out to all those who have lost their heart to someone. If you haven’t suffered such loss in life yet, you will definitely want to after listening to this song.
https://youtu.be/EL4OsDv6BSk
Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Awey
An absolute euphonious blend of traditional and fusion Qawwali-rock, NFAK was known for his experimentation with this song which blossoms as a delight for lovers who live apart.
https://youtu.be/vylYpYH6fOI
Dama Dam Mast Qalandar
No qawwali mehfil or mehndi function is complete without his all-time popular classical Sufi qawwali, which gained huge popularity amongst audiences and fans.
https://youtu.be/ZvjvwlVLzLI
Kise Da Yaar Na Vichre
A melancholic qawwali, that played for the first time in Dhuwan, a PTV drama serial in 1993 – the song resonated the tragic ending of a love story perfectly well and ached all the bleeding hearts a bit more.
https://youtu.be/_KxyFvjHoZ8
Chap Tilak Sab Cheen Li Mohe Nanina Milai K
Very much unlike the hip-hop and pop music of today, this song is soothing, subtle and pleasing to the ears (and soul)…
https://youtu.be/-7DBrw_vorU
Mann Kunto Maula
Mann Kunto Maula is of his most acclaimed qawwalis eulogizing Hazrat Ali.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was only a competent singer but he was even revered as Sufi among his devotees.
https://youtu.be/hF7VxvD_ZOw
Allah Hoo
Allah Hoo is the true musical expression and love for the Creator above. A power-booster for your soul, it leaves a soothing effect on your ears, making you smile from beginning to end.
https://youtu.be/1VtQkCLZHMA
Aajaa Tanu Akhiyan Udeek Dia
If you have not listened to this yet, you are missing out on a very soothing and mellow track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHP7R5FBZpk
Tumhe Dil Lagi Bhool Jani Pare Gi
Here is another masterpiece of NFAK’s musical ingenuity – a slow and sweet-toned qawwali number.
https://youtu.be/LxFErSC4auI
Amongst the dozen of awards that he received, NFAK received pride of performance in 1987. The great innovator and pathbreaker transformed the traditional Sufi Qawwali to extraordinary extents and died of cardiac arrest in London on the 16th of August, 1997, at the age of 48.
May his soul rest in peace.
