Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is holder of a legendary status not only in Pakistani circles that celebrate his music and what it stood for to this day, but also a huge fanbase that he had acquired abroad.
NFAK’s art was that of the Qawalli, having been born to a 600-year old Qawalli family, NFAK was able to introduce Sufi music to the passes, even in international spaces, by capitalising on the lessons and traditions his family could provide and his own natural ability.
The Qawwali maestro is arguably one of the greatest singers ever recorded; owing to the fact that the artist possessed a six-octave vocal range and could perform at a high level of intensity for several hours.
During the course of his music career, the legendary singer gained a plethora of recognition in the form of titles and accolades; wherein his talents were recognized.
In 1987, the government of Pakistan bestowed Pride of Performance on the legendary singer for his contribution to Pakistani music.
Two years before his death, he was honored with the prestigious UNESCO Music Prize. He received a number of national and international honorary awards in his glorious career.
Having acquired for himself the title of ‘Shahenshah-e-Qawwali’, the artist released as many as 25 Qawalli albums, including his massive hit ‘Dam Mast Qalander’ which became a household anthem.
The awards and honours he won posthumously include the “Legends” award at the UK Asian Music Awards, Time magazine’s “60 Years of Asian Heroes”, NPR’s 50 Great Voices list, CNN’s list of twenty most iconic musicians and 14th position in UGO’s list of the best singers of all time.
The ‘Ustad’ left us at the age of 48 on 16 August 1997 and today marks his 20th Death Anniversary.
His fans that still hold him dear to this day, having been enriched by his music shared how touched they were by his music on twitter.
May Allah give u higher ranks in Jannat
U voiced for Peace Love and Love of Allah #NusratFatehAliKhan pic.twitter.com/DhkWXvdV3Z— Amna Fazail (@AmnaFazail) August 16, 2017
21/03/1997 the day I met the great #NusratFatehAliKhan sb and got an autograph from him. It’s his 20th death anniversary today RIP sir pic.twitter.com/cv5XTjcjgz
— Ifrah Bukhari ?? (@S_IfrahBukhari) August 16, 2017
Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts! ❤️
May Allah bless his soul and grant him the highest grade in paradise!#NusratFatehAliKhan pic.twitter.com/dVwpPzNkS4— Ayesha Altaf (@ayesha__altaf) August 16, 2017
Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan left the world of his fans at the age of 48 on 16 August 1997, but he will always remain relevant and remembered.