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Born:12 July 1948, Faisalabad Pakistan.
Death:16 August 1997 at Cromwell Hopital London, due to liver and kidney failure.
History: One of the most popular singers in the Indian subcontinent, Khan predominantly sang qawwali, the music of devotional Sufism, but incorporated other forms including Khyal (traditional classical) to produce a unique style that appealed to followers of all religions. He performed with the Party, a group of highly trained Pakistani musicians which included several family members.
In 1971, Nusrat took over from his father (Ustad Fateh Ali Khan) as leader of the Party after experiencing recurring dreams that he was singing at the famous Muslim shrine of Hazratja Khawaja Moid-Ud-Din Christie in Ajmer, India. This dream became reality eight years later
Through the 70s and 80s Khan's music began to become increasingly synonymous with India and Pakistan's vibrant film industry. Such was his popularity with the stars of the movies that in 1979 he was invited to sing at the wedding of Rishi, son of actor/director Raj Kapoor, in front of the most prominent members of the Bombay film industry.Peter Gabriel's admiration of Nusrat's singing has led to him working with WOMAD on projects including a compilation album, many festival appearances and more recently releases on the Virgin /Real World Records label, recorded in England.
The first of these, Shahen-Shahwas named after Nusrat's Pakistani nickname, Shahen-Shah-e-Qawwali (The Brightest Star In Qawwali).
ForMustt Mustt, Nusrat worked with experimental composer Michael Brookin an attempt to give his sound a western orientation. On all but two tracks, traditional songs were replaced by classical vocal exercises which were edited around western rhythms. Brook said of the project 'everyone was excited, although it wasn't painless - it worked'. A remix of the title track by Massive Attackled to a surprise UK club hit. Nusrat returned to his roots withShahbaaz, four traditional qawwali songs all praising the Devine Beloved. Successive albums for Real World have continued to see cross-experimentation between qawwali and Western influences, though none were as integrationist as Mustt Mustt.
Despite this, the vibrancy of the artist's deeply spiritual performances, on record and stage, militates against the suspicion that he had forgotten his roots. His sudden death robbed the world of one of it's finest voices.
Exclusive Interview with NFAK
Question:What
is your favorite song?
Nusrat: "Allahoo"
because it is in praise of Allah (god).
Question:What
does "Mastt Qalander" mean? Who is "Ali Ali"?
Nusrat: Mastt
Qalander is a high ecstasy of spirituality in which you lose yourself.
Ali is the son-in-law of the Prophet (PBUH). He was a caliph in the early
years of Islam.
Question:You have often mentioned your late father in interviews; and I am curious as
to what he sounded like - are Ustad Fateh Ali Khan's recordings still being
(re)issued and available?
Nusrat: As
far as I know my father's recordings are still available. Also some will
soon be reissued on audio tapes.
Question:What
is the title of the song that you and Peter Gabriel performed at the
VH1 Honors Concert?
Nusrat: The
song was "In your eyes".
Question:Which recording of Mast Qalander is your favorite?
Nusrat: The
original version (unsynthesized).
Question:Is
it true that you sang at Baba Farid Shrine in Pakpattan?
Nusrat: Yes, often during the Islamic month of Moharram.
Question:Your
music is made up of a lot emotion - what drives you to your passion when
performing?
Nusrat: Sufism
and Islam are the basis and subject of my singing. The love of Allah (God)
and the praise of his Prophet (PBUH) are my sources of my passion.
Question:Is
the "Ustad Fateh Ali Khan" on the ECM release "Raga and Saga" with Jan
Garbarek your father?
Nusrat: No.
Question:How
do you feel about people of other faiths?
Nusrat: Every
soul has the right to live and worship his or her Creator. Sufisim is a
message of affection and tranquility to bring different people together.
People of God understand this message. It is my mission to share this message
all over the world.
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