# Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan > Pakistani musician, primarily a singer of qawwali (1948-1997) **Wikidata**: [Q299073](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q299073) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nusrat_Fateh_Ali_Khan) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nusrat-fateh-ali-khan ## Summary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a Pakistani musician renowned for his mastery of qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest qawwali singers in history, elevating the genre to global prominence through his powerful voice and innovative style. ## Biography - **Born**: October 13, 1948, in Faisalabad, Pakistan - **Nationality**: Pakistani - **Education**: No formal education data provided - **Known for**: Pioneering the global popularity of qawwali music - **Employer(s)**: Real World Records, Rehmat Gramophone House (for recordings) - **Field(s)**: Music, specifically qawwali and ghazal performance ## Contributions Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan contributed significantly to the global recognition of qawwali music through his extensive discography and live performances. His work with Peter Gabriel's label, Real World Records, brought his music to Western audiences. Recordings under Rehmat Gramophone House also played a key role in distributing his traditional qawwali performances. His collaborations and recordings influenced world music and introduced qawwali to non-South Asian listeners. His work period spanned from 1965 to 1997, during which he performed and recorded hundreds of qawwalis, ghazals, and film songs. ## FAQs ### Where did Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan perform and record? Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan performed across the world, including in Pakistan, India, Europe, and North America. His live performances were legendary for their energy and spiritual intensity, and he recorded extensively with labels such as Rehmat Gramophone House and Real World Records. ### What is qawwali? Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music that originated in the 15th century and is deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of South Asia. It is characterized by its poetic themes of divine love and devotion, often performed in a group setting with harmonium, tabla, and chorus. ### What was his relationship with Peter Gabriel's label? Real World Records, founded by Peter Gabriel in 1989, played a significant role in promoting Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's music globally. The label released several of his albums, helping bridge the gap between Eastern and Western musical traditions. ### What awards did Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan receive? He was honored with several awards including the Pride of Performance (Pakistan), Nigar Awards for his contributions to film music, and the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize, recognizing his cultural impact. ### What is his legacy in world music? Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's legacy includes introducing qawwali to global audiences, inspiring countless musicians, and laying the foundation for the fusion of qawwali with Western genres. His influence is evident in the works of artists like Michael Brook and Eddie Vedder. ## Why They Matter Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan transformed qawwali from a regional devotional form into a globally recognized art. His collaborations with Western artists and record labels helped bridge cultural and musical divides. His music continues to inspire artists across genres, and his recordings remain a cornerstone of world music. Without his pioneering efforts, qawwali might not have reached the international stage with such impact. ## Notable For - **Qawwali Innovation**: Brought qawwali to a global audience through international performances and recordings. - **Cultural Ambassador**: Helped introduce South Asian devotional music to the world. - **Award Recipient**: Recipient of the Pride of Performance, Nigar Awards, and the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize. - **Collaborations**: Worked with Real World Records and Rehmat Gramophone House. - **Genre Mastery**: Elevated qawwali and ghazal through his unique vocal improvisations and emotional depth. ## Body ### Early Life Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was born on October 13, 1948, in Faisalabad, Pakistan, into a family with a rich musical heritage. He was part of the Qawwal Bachchon Ka Qissa Khwani Dastgoh, a group of hereditary qawwali performers. His early exposure to classical and devotional music laid the foundation for his future eminence in qawwali. ### Career His career began in the mid-1960s, and by the 1970s, he had established himself as the leading qawwal of his generation. He performed and recorded extensively, both in Pakistan and internationally. His work period spanned from 1965 to 1997, during which he elevated qawwali to new artistic and spiritual heights. ### Record Labels and Recordings Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's music was widely distributed through Rehmat Gramophone House, a historic label known for its qawwali releases. He also collaborated with Real World Records, a British world music label founded by Peter Gabriel in 1989, which played a pivotal role in bringing his music to the West. His albums under these labels remain influential in world music. ### Influence and Legacy His influence extended beyond qawwali into the broader world music scene. Artists like Michael Brook and Peter Gabriel worked with him to create cross-cultural fusions that resonated with global audiences. His legacy includes inspiring a new generation of musicians and listeners, and his recordings continue to be celebrated for their emotional and spiritual depth. ### Awards and Recognition Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan received several honors, including the Pride of Performance, Pakistan’s highest civilian award for artistic excellence. He also won multiple Nigar Awards for his contributions to film music and was honored with the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize for his cultural contributions. His work continues to be celebrated in documentaries, tribute performances, and global music festivals. ### Musical Style and Innovation Khan's innovation lay in his ability to blend traditional qawwali with contemporary elements, making it accessible to global audiences. His improvisational skills, particularly in mehfils (Sufi musical gatherings), were legendary. His vocal range and emotive delivery set him apart from his contemporaries. ### Discography and Recordings He recorded over 1,000 tracks, many of which are considered masterpieces. His albums under Real World Records and Rehmat Gramophone House remain benchmarks in world music. His performances were not only spiritual but also technically masterful, combining classical ragas with devotional poetry. ### Global Reach Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan performed in over 40 countries, bringing qawwali to venues from the United Nations to the Royal Albert Hall. His music transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, influencing artists like Eddie Vedder and bands like Junoon. ### Death and Legacy He passed away on August 16, 1997, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and listeners worldwide. His impact on world music is immeasurable, with his recordings still celebrated for their innovation and spiritual depth. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. Integrated Authority File 3. International Standard Name Identifier 4. MusicBrainz 5. CiNii Research 6. Virtual International Authority File 7. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki//Q396777) 8. IMDb 9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 10. SNAC 11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 12. CONOR.SI 13. BBC Things 14. Discogs 15. Quora