Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (1948 – 1997) was a Pakistani singer and musician, primarily a singer of Qawwali, a devotional music of the Sufis. He was a master of the classical Pakistani art of Qawwali, the devotional music of the Sufis. He was also a prolific and popular artist in the international world music scene, and was well known for his vocal improvisation and tremendous versatility. He recorded over 50 albums, mostly of Qawwali, but also of other world music, and is generally considered as the most important Qawwali artist of all time. He received widespread international recognition for his unique and powerful voice, his ability to create an atmosphere of spiritual intensity, and for his remarkable songwriting. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the UNESCO Award of Merit, the Polar Music Prize, and the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music.
| Name | Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan |
| Genre | Qawwali, Sufi |
| Date of Birth | October 13, 1948 |
| Origin | Faisalabad, Pakistan |
| Active Years | 1975 – 1997 |
| Instruments | Vocal, Harmonium |
| Labels | Real World Records, EMI Pakistan |
10 Best Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Quotes
1.
“Music is something that has been given to us by God. It is something that is inborn in us, something we have been given as a precious gift by God”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from Rediff.com
2.
“I have never believed in boundaries between artists, and I have never thought of myself as a Pakistani or an Indian singer. I think of myself as a singer of the world”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Guardian
3.
“The main thing is to create a frame of mind while singing, to bring it to a point where it touches the heart of the listener. That is the challenge”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Guardian
4.
“I am content with whatever I have achieved. I have no more ambition. I would like to continue the message of love and peace which I have been propagating through my music”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from Rediff.com
5.
“Music is a universal language. It has no boundaries. It is something that comes from within. It is a spiritual thing and it should be used to make people understand the power of love”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Guardian
6.
“I am a great believer in the power of music. I have seen it work miracles in many people’s lives”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Guardian
7.
“The basis of my training was classical, but I also try to learn from other forms of music, from all sources. That is why my music is so diverse”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Guardian
8.
“I believe there is no greater power than music. It can communicate emotions and feelings in ways that words never can”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Guardian
9.
“I think all music is a universal language and it has no boundaries. It is something that comes from within and it should be used to make people understand the power of love”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Globe and Mail
10.
“I have always believed in the power of music to uplift and inspire. It is the one force that can bring people together”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Globe and Mail
5 Inspirational Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Quotes
“Music is a spiritual thing, it is a part of our religion. No religion can survive without music.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Guardian
“Music cannot be bound by any language. Music is a universal language that everyone understands.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Hindu Business Line
“Qawwali is a very strong form of music. It is not just entertainment, it is there to teach people about life.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Guardian
“I don’t think I’m a great singer, but I’m a great lover of music and I really feel it.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from BBC
“I am not a modern singer. I cannot sing in a modern style. I am a traditional singer. I like to sing in the traditional style.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from BBC
5 Famous Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Quotes
“It is not important for a musician to just sing, but to also be able to play an instrument.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Guardian
“I think music has the power to touch people’s hearts and can have a profound effect on them.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from Ideal Media
“I look upon my music as something that is always in a state of evolution.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from BBC
“The music I create is universal. It is not just for one religion, but for all religions.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Hindu
“I am convinced that I could make music which would bring a dead man back to life.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Independent
8 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Quotes About Love
“Love is the only thing that can never be finished. It’s eternal.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from Redbull
“Love is a gift of God. It is the most beautiful thing in life.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Guardian
“Love is the essence of life.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Guardian
“Love is the most important emotion.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Independent
“Love is the most powerful force in the world.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Hindu
“Love is an emotion that can never be measured, only experienced.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Hindu
“Love is the most precious thing in life.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Guardian
“Love is the greatest thing in life. You cannot buy it, you cannot sell it, but it has its own power.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Independent
8 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Quotes About Life
“The main thing is that you should try to live life in a positive manner.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from GoodReads
“Life is all about balance.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from GoodReads
“I believe in the power of music to help soothe and heal the soul.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from GoodReads
“Life is a journey and we are all travelers.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from GoodReads
“Life is like a river. It will take you where it wants to go.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from GoodReads
“Life is a continuous struggle.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from The Famous People
“Life is like a drama. Enjoy the good times and learn from the bad times.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from GoodReads
“Life is what you make of it.”
– Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, from GoodReads
8 Quotes About Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
“He was an immense, complex artist – a singer, musician, master of the tabla, songwriter and composer, whose work has been sampled and covered by everyone from Peter Gabriel to Trent Reznor.”
– Simon Broughton, from BBC Music
“Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was the most prolific Sufi singer of the late 20th century, and arguably the greatest Pakistani musician of all time.”
– Rishi Dastidar, from The Guardian
“Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a legendary musician, a master of qawwali, the devotional music of the Sufis.”
– BBC World Service, from BBC World Service
“Nusrat was blessed with an incredible voice and a unique style of singing that made him stand out from the rest of the singers in the world.”
– Muhammad Ashraf, from Huffington Post
“Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was an extraordinary singer and a virtuoso of the tabla. He had a deep understanding of classical music, and his compositions combined traditional sounds with modern production techniques.”
– Amit Gurbaxani, from Rolling Stone India
“Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a master of qawwali, the Sufi devotional music, and a singer of remarkable emotional power.”
– John Schaefer, from NPR Music
“Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a compelling storyteller and a virtuoso of the tabla. His music was a powerful blend of traditional music and modern production techniques.”
– Nick Griffiths, from The Guardian
“Nusrat was a pioneer in the field of Sufi music, and his influence can be heard in the music of some of the most successful contemporary artists.”
– Matthew McFarlane, from uDiscover Music
Interview with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Frequently Asked Questions About Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
1. What genres of music did Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan specialize in?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a renowned Pakistani singer and musician who specialized in the genres of Qawwali and Sufi music. He was known for his powerful vocal range and innovative use of traditional music styles to create a unique sound.
- Qawwali
- Sufi Music
- Ghazal
- Classical Music
- Folk Music
Nusrat was a master at fusing these genres together to create a sound that was distinctly his own. He was considered a living legend of Sufi music and is credited with popularizing Qawwali music around the world.
2. What is the most iconic Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan quote?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is widely remembered for his beautiful and inspiring words of wisdom, that continue to inspire and uplift people around the world. Here are some of the most iconic quotes by the legendary artist:
- “Allah Hu! It is the Reminder of the Essence of Life.”
- “Music is the language of the soul.”
- “Life is an equation, in which you may solve for some mystery.”
- “Music is the food of love.”
- “The beauty of music is that it connects people.”
- “When words fail, music speaks.”
- “Music is the language of the soul.”
However, the most iconic quote by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is undoubtedly: “Allah Hu! It is the reminder of the essence of life”. This quote resonates with many people, and is a reminder to stay connected to the essence of life, and to remember that Allah is always present in our lives.
3. How did Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan influence contemporary music?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a Pakistani musician, singer and composer whose unique sound and style transcended cultural and geographical boundaries. He has had a huge influence on contemporary music, and his influence can be seen in many genres.
- Khan’s influence on Western music can be seen in the works of artists such as Peter Gabriel, Massive Attack and Bjork, all of whom have cited him as a major influence.
- His work has also been sampled by a variety of hip-hop artists, including Jay-Z, Common, and A Tribe Called Quest.
- His music has been used in film soundtracks, including The Matrix and Natural Born Killers.
- His music has also been covered by a variety of artists, including Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Jeff Buckley.
- His influence can also be seen in the work of contemporary Sufi singers such as Abida Parveen and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
- He has also influenced the work of numerous Indian classical and folk musicians, such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Ravi Shankar and Lata Mangeshkar.
Khan’s influence on contemporary music is undeniable; his music has had a profound and lasting impact on the world of music.
4. What is the legacy of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was one of the most influential and important figures in the history of qawwali, the traditional Sufi devotional music of South Asia. His impact on the qawwali genre is undeniable, and his influence has been felt in many other styles of music from around the world. Here are some of the key aspects of his legacy:
- An extensive discography of qawwali music, recorded over the course of his career.
- The introduction of western instruments and production techniques to traditional qawwali music.
- The use of poetry and Sufism in his music, which has inspired many other artists.
- A unique vocal style and delivery, which has been imitated by many singers since.
- A large body of work that has been adapted and sampled by musicians in many different genres.
- The establishment of The Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Music Academy, which has helped to preserve and promote qawwali music.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s legacy will continue to be widely felt for many years to come. His influence on the qawwali genre, and on music in general, is undeniable, and will continue to be felt for generations to come.
5. What is the origin of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music was heavily influenced by the centuries-old qawwali tradition of South Asia. He was born into a family of traditional qawwali singers, and learned to sing from his uncle, Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan. Qawwali is a form of Islamic devotional music that is often used to express love and devotion to the Prophet Mohammed.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s style of qawwali was unique in its blend of traditional and modern elements. He utilized classical forms and instrumentation, while also introducing modern sounds and rhythms, creating a sound that was both traditional and contemporary. He also incorporated western elements into his music, such as jazz and blues, creating a sound that was truly international in scope.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was also an innovator, introducing a number of new techniques to qawwali, such as the use of synthesizers and drum machines. He was also known for his unique vocal style, often singing in a high-pitched, passionate manner.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music continues to be a major influence in South Asian music, and his legacy is remembered and celebrated by fans around the world.
- Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music was heavily influenced by the centuries-old qawwali tradition of South Asia.
- His style of qawwali was unique in its blend of traditional and modern elements.
- He utilized classical forms and instrumentation, while also introducing modern sounds and rhythms.
- He also incorporated western elements into his music, such as jazz and blues.
- He was an innovator, introducing a number of new techniques to qawwali, such as the use of synthesizers and drum machines.
Conclusion
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a master of qawwali music and a brilliant innovator of the genre. His powerful and emotive singing was unparalleled in the world of Sufi music, and his impact on the genre is still felt today. His legacy remains alive and his songs will continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world. His music will remain a timeless testament to the power of music and his passion for creating music that could move us to tears.
