Spirit of Nusrat

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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Music, Lyrics and English Translations

The Spirit Of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

(20 votes, average: 4.30 out of 5)

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We are really thankful to Andy Carvin for allowing us to post this article at Nusrat.info. The original

article can be found at his personal website.

The Spirit of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

by Andy Carvin

In 1993, a winter performance at the Gateway Theater in Chicago displayed

all the ingredients of a typical rock concert: an endless, almost hypnotizing

beat; hundreds of mesmerized individuals slavishly clap to the beat while

dozens more dance in the aisles. But unlike a U2 or Pearl Jam show, this was

a concert with a higher purpose rejoicing in the grace of Allah.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a name which is neither well-known or well-

pronounced by most Americans, is a pinnacle of success in southern Asia and

many other parts of the world. Hailed by many as the Pavarotti of Pakistan,

Khan is the worlds most celebrated qawwal. A qawwal is a specially-trained male vocalist who

performs qawwali, a musical expression of devotional poetry practiced by the Sufis. The Sufis, an

ancient mystical sect of Islam, achieve spiritual enlightenment through music, much like a WhirlingDervish achieves a higher state of consciousness through dancing.

In performing qawwali, the main vocalist sits with three other vocalists, two of which are playing

harmonium pump organs. Behind them sit five other men: four who clap and sing as a chorus, and one

who plays the tabla, the traditional drum of the Subcontinent. As the harmonium players begin to solo in

the chosen key, the chorus and tabla player keep a steady beat. The qawwal and his other singers then

sustain a passionate cry, calling the audience to order. Once the qawwal is ready, he begins the lyrics

often a praising of Muhammad or a tale of love.

Qawwali is performed in a simple verse-and-chorus format. The qawwal will continue each verse,trading off lines with the other singers. As each verse builds to a climax, they passionately return to the


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chorus, over and over again, for up to twenty minutes. Words are repeated until they lose meaning,

leaving only the music and the spirit behind.

While traditional Qawwal is performed at Sufi shrines and weddings, Khan has brought the style to the

West with wild abandon. Though other vocalists may have a stronger voice or greater range, it can be

easily argued than Khan has the most passionate voice in the modern musical world.

To be in the presence of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is a mystical experience in itself. A short, heavy man,

Khan sits on the stage with his party, made up of his younger brother Farukh, his nephew Rahat andhalf a dozen cousins. Waiting for the right moment to sing, he stares intently at the floor. His eyes close

as he slowly gestures his hand in front of him, as if to say The song is about to begin. Please join me

and listen. As the spirit of the music grows, his excitement grows ever so slightly. Khan, now

swaying his large, majestic torso back and forth, winces while his left hand flails in front of him. The

hypnotized audience rests on each syllable of his words. Adoring fans dance to the stage and throw

handfuls of dollars over him over forty times last Friday alone and he does not even acknowledge

him. The music is too important to be distracted by several hundred dollars showering from above.

It is no surprise that Khan decided to become a qawwal, for his family has performed traditional Sufi

music for over twenty generations. As he explained to me through a translator, My family has been

raising qawwals for over 600 years. I have been trained with it since I was very young. My father, who

was also a qawwal, actually would have wanted wanted me to become an engineer or a doctor. Instead,

I chose to follow the tradition under the apprenticeship of my father and uncle. By choosing to follow

the Qawwal tradition, Khan commits himself to more than the music he commits himself to Sufism

itself. His fans praise him like a gift, calling him The Master. He is known throughout the world as

Shahen-Shah, the Shining Star. To compare his stature to even the greatest performers in the West

would still be an understatement. Yet, he remains a humble servant to God, never allowing his fame to

defeat his purpose.

When I went backstage to interview him during the intermission, he was sitting in a chair, surrounded by

fans as they knelt on the floor. Not knowing how to act or how to address him, I also knelt before him in

awe, looking up at the great Shahen-Shah. Before he addressed me, I turned to one of my translators and

asked, What should I call him? fearing that there must be a proper term in his native Urdu. A young

moustached man smiled and says, Mr. Khan will do. He is, alas, only a man like you or I.

Suddenly relaxed by this poetic, if not rehearsed response, I introduced myself. Khan, with an

overwhelming smile planted on his baby face, shook my hand vigorously and offered me tea. As we

conversed through three tag-teaming translators, Khan listened intently to my every word. He tried his

best to understand my English having recently moved to America as Artist-In-Residence of the

University of Washington, Khan used our meeting as a chance to analyze his language skills. While he

patiently worked his way through every word, I noticed a small case of lazy eye. As we finished, I am

once again offered tea and a small somosa. I had feared an uncomfortable conversation with a saint. I

enjoyed a conversation with an old friend instead.

I cannot allow the fame to go to my head, explains Khan. Many have said I have compromised my

faith by coming to the West. But this is not so. To travel the world and open the hearts of those whose

were previously closed is a joy worth the other sacrifices.

To live the life of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is by no means simple. In addition to his teaching duties at the

University of Washington, Khan performs as often as possible. The Chicago concert, in fact, was


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literally a last minute affair, planned from start to finish in two weeks alone. The concerts themselves

add to the toll; unlike most western concerts, qawwali performance continue until spiritual elevation is

achieved. His recent appearance, which started around nine p.m., continued past one in the morning.

The touring is intense, but enlightening, he admits. But the humble Khan refuses to complain:

Qawwal can never be seen as a chore.

Though popular in Europe since the early seventies, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan has only recently reached

the ears of Americans. Much of this new-found success is due to his friendship with Peter Gabriel, whoproduced his last album, appropriately entitled Shahen-Shah, on Gabriels Real World label.

I was first introduced to Peter Gabriel several years ago, remembers Khan. He had recently heard my

voice and asked if we could meet. In 1987, he used my voice on his album Passion and the movie The

Last Temptation of Christ in the scene where the Christ was raised unto the cross. Working with Peter is

a great joy.

Wrapped within a lifestyle of fanatical fans, never-ending tours and teaching the tradition, Nusrat Fateh

Ali Khan lives in a spiritual fast lane, not that unlike an American rock sensation. But for Khan, this is

the only way he would have ever wanted. The Sufi credo teaches an ascetic lifestyle, achieving Allahthrough music and experience. From this life a paradise is born.

To be a qawwal is more than being a performer, more than being an artist, he notes with a stern, but

wise smile. One must be willing to release ones mind and soul from ones body to achieve ecstasy

through music. Qawwali is enlightenment itself.

Enlightenment, indeed, for all who may listen.

{ 2 trackbacks }

Popdose Flashback: Peter Gabriel, Passion | Popdose

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July 20, 2009 at 4:32 am

Harmony of the Spheres | undomondo

November 3, 2009 at 3:12 am

{ 50 comments read them below oradd one }

Previous Comments

kashifSeptember 26, 2007 at 2:37 pm

Hanjon Akhian de warey wich paondey tamalan

e December 1, 2007 at 12:27 am

he is a true LEGEND..may god bless his soul..

Muhammad Jawad December 27, 2007 at 3:04 pm

I must say that man like him will never born.he was a pride of PAKISTAN.

his nephew RAHAT FATEH ALI KHAN is also as talented as nusrat fateh ali khan was, he also

has shadow of his uncle in his soul-touching voice.

may God bless him !!

kami February 23, 2008 at 3:43 pm

Nusrat is realy legend of this field no man to reach his god gifted quality and he is one and only

and obviously all the pakistani proud to say that the nusrat belongs to pakistan.

samad March 23, 2008 at 4:54 am

nusrat was a world voice he was a pakistani but who cares music has no nationality and lov nusratfateh ali khan after i listen to him diont listen to any other qawal he is a genius and remembered by

everyone who loves music. wish i cud hav heard him live once in my life.

Muneeb Shaukat Khan March 30, 2008 at 10:26 am

Sometimes when i am listening to the holy, spiritual and never out-dated messages of Saints

bestowed in the blessed voice of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, i feel how deprived are those who never

listened to him Trust me, they missed a blessing of God They missed a drop of water thatwould quench their thirst for peace within themselves that no wordly liquor can do May his

soul rest in peace Amen


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Nomi May 13, 2008 at 9:40 pm

Nusrat Fatah Ali Khan is really really a great Legend. We all Pakistanies proud on him. He is our

great heritage. But his nephew is not performing like him. he is now a days runnning to pop

music. And in openion Rahat shoud foulks on sufi music like Nusrat Fath Ali Khan.

Allah Nusrat sahab ko apni rahamat may rakhay. Ameen

haresh kumarJune 2, 2008 at 10:12 am

when i hear the nusrat was very surprised that there is human in this world whos voice is like a

majic nusrat shab have ablelity to control the enviroment nusrat can turn the mind of human

through music when he sing milllion listen nusrut make a person happy or sad through its sufis

music

i wish that GOD please give him place in jannat, ameen

Fahim June 3, 2008 at 3:00 pm

App jesa koi nehi Sir USTAD NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN SAAB!!!!!

abid hussain June 14, 2008 at 9:36 am

nusrat !

you are beyond the boundaries of artistary.Noboby will do qawali as you . Your voice is still,a

source of satisfaction in this temporay word. May God Keep his deep blessing on you in the

reward of your devotion with qawali (Amin)

Divy June 21, 2008 at 4:47 am

.Aafareen Aafareen.

sanjeev k. upadhyay June 24, 2008 at 11:19 pm

hello,

i love Nusrat Sb. from my childhood.and i have a large collection in my ipod.but it is very said i

cud not find lyrics of most of them from anywhere,.will someone help me plz to find out the lyrics

of some of them.

regards


6/15

sanjeev(India)

Nawab Hasan July 18, 2008 at 3:14 am

I was always surprised to know that people are mad of hero/heroines. I always thought it was

foolish, until I became true FAN of Nusrat fatheh Ali khan. The blessed voice from Allah. I

always miss him, I would have been lucky if I could see him reciting Kawwali or Allah kaKalam. We need someone like Nusrat. This music is not like any other music but UNIQUE.

Syed Arbab Ahme July 31, 2008 at 12:13 pm

Hi to all!

I have uploaded Must Nazron say remixed version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bVoNTS0ST0 by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, somebody please

translate Pyar Nahin Karna (Dont get in Love)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=lRK_GuLlGYc in English because so many English people have

asked me to do so, but due to shortage of time I was not able to do so.My E-Mail address is

[email protected]

pmvali August 4, 2008 at 5:56 am

no words to express. I do not know how many times i have listened to tumhe dillage bhool. Long live mr.Nusrat

shafiq August 13, 2008 at 1:38 am

sabki saqi pe nazar ho ye zaruri hai magar, sab pe saqi ki nazar ho ye zaruri to nahi.

great nusrat sahab ke liye jo kaha kaha jaye wo aisa hoga ki jaise suraj ko diya dikhana. nusrat

sahab ne hum logo ko wo mosiqi di hai jo na koi de saka aur na hi koi de payega. ( acording tomy self ) unka koi bhi nagma sun lo dil ko qarar mil jata hai. ( dil mera leke zalim ne kaha, jao

rasta lo tumhara kuch nahi ) allah aapko jannat me aala muqam de. aamin.

jab bike na the to koi puchta na tha, tum khareed kar mujhe anmol kar diya

allah -hafiz

shafiq August 13, 2008 at 1:39 am

thare bin lage na hi. mhara jiya re


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sandy sohal August 14, 2008 at 10:14 pm

i jus wanna say that sufi sangeet is only bcoz of nusrat sahab, i m true fan of nusrat sahab n i

really miss him

my fav. song is mast nazro se alla bachya ft mohammad khan sahab

sandy sohal

Vishal August 17, 2008 at 10:02 pm

Hell live forever in our hearts .

Ustad Nusrat is a Legend

May God Bless his Soul

Nand August 18, 2008 at 7:14 pm

Well, I only found this genius about 1 month ago!

there are no words to discribe what I feel for Nusrat Sahibs style and passion in his singing too

profound!

I cannot get enough of this deep meaningful singing and I carry him/this in my heart all the time,

WHAT AN ABSOLUTE GIFT DIRECTLY FROM GOD!

Even though he left this planet 11 years ago 8/16/97

I am honored to have found him and this blessed gift he has left for us..

blessed be, I JUST KNOW THAT SOMEONE LIKE NUSRAT JI HAS TO BE

BLISSFULLY HAPPY IN HEAVEN!

respectifully submitted

JabbarSeptember 29, 2008 at 10:46 am

Can someone please upload the full Translation of Bulle Shahs poetry Meri Bukkal De Vich

Chor Chor sung by the legend himself, thanks

Naveen October 5, 2008 at 4:09 am

Ive been listening for over a decade or so A day back only realised the hypnotizm of his voice

and music..An american friend of mine , who never heard of NFAK and can not pronaunce his full name ,

came to me while I was listening Maiqada bhi apna hai.. , and without even asking the abt the


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music, he started dancing and continued till the qawwali lasted.. Now that is amazing to see

someone that way NFAk is such a powerfull and sweet voice .. tuelly amazing.. salute to

Nusarat dada.. He can not be bound with any country , he is for all over the world can not be

bound any era he is all time legend..

mohammed October 17, 2008 at 8:37 pm

i never heard voice like nusrat sahab his voice has quality to hyptonise anyone . i simply love his

voice may allah forgive his sin aur unhe jannat baksh de

Rob October 18, 2008 at 11:58 am

I learned of this great man just less than a year ago, and have been mesmerized by his voice and

music ever since. We love to have friends over and have this music on in the background. Guests

invariably ask what is the great music playing.

Peace from MV

Gagan October 26, 2008 at 2:28 pm

apni aukaat nahi hai ki hum ustad sahab ke baarey mein kuch kahein par fir bhi kuch kehnay ki

gustaakhi kar raha hun..

i am an indian but i can honestly confess that i love him more than any indian. i have beenunfortunate not to have ever met him (i was 16 when he departed) but whenever i see his

interviews, etc on internet i just cant differentiate between him and my late grandparents.. they had

exactly the same style of speaking (may b because am a punjabi too).. the way he used to speak..

that showed his humble , simple and sweet nature.

not only was he uncomparable as a qawaal (i read he used to dislike himself being called an artist

or singer so am not using those words) but there are not many humans like him in todays world

(nature wise).

i as an indian am proud of him !!he will live forever !!

Amjad Mirza February 1, 2009 at 12:28 am

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is the only artist who devoted himself for the music as a whole.everyone

admires him for his love for Sufi poetry.He always tried to relax the people.At least i cannot

express my feelings for him. I love him..!

junaid mukhtarFebruary 12, 2009 at 9:58 am


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well you know about nusrat a lagend the end of ends he led a simple life from 1948 to 1997 the

sound of heaven he is un un un un un un u nnn unbleave able i like but almost every one like him

love him. i leave my num and mail i.d for those how want nusrat collection i have a num of his

bests

Saad February 17, 2009 at 3:35 am

NUSRAT FATEH ALI SAHAB! nothing stands next to this person. listen to sanson ki

mala (full version). deen dharam sub choor ke mein to pee ki dhun mein sud bud khoyi.

chit jaaon gun pee pee ke gaaon aur nahi koi doja kaam. UFFFFFF . i dare to say dere is

noone in this world who luvs NUSRAT more than me.. extending courtesy, if u

want 20 minutes version of sanson ki mala contact me at [email protected]

faisal munawar (canada) February 25, 2009 at 11:34 am

i can not live without listen the Nusrat,s Ghazals.

Rahul April 20, 2009 at 3:15 am

Tum ik gorakh dhanda ho.

aur iske bad kya kahe.

zaheerMay 30, 2009 at 9:24 pm

When some asks me about my favourite singer i simply say Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan they insatantly

reply that he is in a seperate position wich no body can reach plz tell us about the other lower

singers. When i listen to Nusrats songs i dont think so that i should listen any other singers songs

because they are not as good to compete a little with this mans songs.

May God bless him and give him a place in Heaven.

hafeez Mufti June 30, 2009 at 2:32 am

good and impartial comments i admire yr on merit views

Gaurav July 14, 2009 at 9:22 pm

He was a true legend.

he will always be alive in our hearts through his unforgettable songs n qawallis

he had the power to mesmerize n hipnotise tge next person with his throat.


10/15

kamal August 2, 2009 at 5:04 am

i want to be your son if i will reborn

Syed Adeel Hussain Shah August 14, 2009 at 8:23 pm

I love Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan ,lives in my heart i have the largest collection of ustaad

Nusrat,i request to all lovers of ustaad Nusrat Plz CONTACT me to share his ultimate music.

May Allah sat him in Peace of Heaven.ustaad The voice of Heaven

Syed Adeel August 14, 2009 at 8:29 pm

i request to All Lovers OF USTAAD NUSRAT FATEH ALI KAHN that 16 AUG 2009 is the

Death ceremony of Ustaad plz have a pray for ustaad may Allah sat him in Peace(AMEEN)

THE ULTIMATE USTAAD NUSRAT.

Jam Sajjad Hussain August 21, 2009 at 9:08 am

12 years passed since we lost Nusrat

By: Jam Sajjad Hussain | Published: August 17, 2009

Print Facebook Digg StumbleUpon Text Size

LAHORE Keeping the unfortunate tradition of forgetting the national heroes alive, the 12th

death anniversary of Shahensha-e-Qawwali Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan largely went unnoticed on

Sunday, as no ceremony was organised for remembering and paying tribute to the legend whose

music tunes still mesmerise the people across the world.

From the very beginning, Nusrats father, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, refused to allow him to join the

family profession but Nusrats passion ultimately convinced him to coach him in this art.

Nusrat started his musical career as a tabla player and soon he started to sing the most difficult

chapter of music, the Qawwali. He used to perform at shrines, weddings ceremonies and fairs.

Senior producer PTV and the eminent poet Ayub Khawar says Nusrat was an ideal singer of

modern era as he invented modern Qawwali by mixing the classical and pop music. Nusrat was

my best friend who always consulted me in his every song. He was very hardworking as I have

seen him on keyboard for more than 18 hours a day.

He further said when he sung Sajnaan Ray Tery Bin Mora Jiya Naheen Lagay Ray for the

first time each one among the audience could feel his voice echoing spirituality.

An eminent poet Khalid Ahmad said Nusrat was a brilliant musician who was an institution in

classical music.

Talking about Nusrats global reach, he says the Japenese call him the Buddha of music while he

is still regarded as the voice of paradise by the Americans, adding he had God gifted qualities

inspiring his fans with his extra ordinary variety and distinctive voice.The fans of Nusrat endorsed him the status of Shahensha-e-Qawali. He left the world so early at

the age of 48 but left behind a legacy, which is an incredible chapter of the music history.


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Note: this article was published in Daily The Nation on above mentioned date:

Well Wisher,

JAM SAJJAD HUSSAIN

Younes Sheikh August 22, 2009 at 9:02 am

please post the Sohni by nusrat fateh ali khan and Mubarak ali fateh Ali khan; if you please ,..!

Younes SHEIKH

dhiraj September 11, 2009 at 3:07 am

nusrat is the one who holds the conscience from threshold to the end in a journey to the the

heaven and the heavenly pleasures which takes place in the frills and trills of his high-pitched

impeccably melodious voice which is and shall always be unsurpassable and unparallelled.

osman altafSeptember 21, 2009 at 7:19 am

he is the king of music

SUNyyy October 1, 2009 at 10:15 pm

I m really very proud to be a Pakistani beqz Pakistan is the 1st country on the world thats have

legends of all fields and USTAD NUSRAT was the father of qwwali music in real shape and we

cant forget him in our whole life.

johns Fernandes.

Mohammad Reza Hezareh October 14, 2009 at 4:29 am

I am an Iranian and I am 48 year old.I have never heard his name before.two months ago Idownloaded one his songs by chance and when I listened to his song there were some Persian

words and therefore I was interested to listen to his voiec.During the listening I started to shed

tears I do not know why because I even do know urdu language and I do not understand the

lyrics.Please believe me this man has heavenly voice.now I am trying hard to buy his CDS in Iran

but I do not know where to buy.

umerOctober 15, 2009 at 4:21 am

i am also from nusrat home city faisalabad he was a legend and no one like him in this world hope

so some one full fill his absence but its not possible


12/15

BILAL KHAN October 19, 2009 at 12:04 am

HE IS THE KING OF SUFI SONG THERE IS NO SINGLE ICON LIKE HIM IN THE

WHOLE WORLD & NEVER BORN AGAIN

Bintu Chaudhary December 30, 2009 at 8:38 am

Very Thanks

Dear Andy Carvin

agha afzal pathan February 11, 2010 at 10:12 am

he is one of them singers who never born in this world.

i think wah wah wah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

waqarFebruary 28, 2010 at 11:35 am

HIS MUSIC LYRICS COMPOSITION VOICE .MAKES ME

SPEECHLESSAS THE WEST SAID ABOUT HIM HE IS THE MAGIC ON

STAGE

THERE IS A QAWALI OF HIM IN INDIAN MOVIE MOHABBAT.IF SOMEONE CAN

HELP ME TO FIND OUT,I TRIED BUT I COULD NOT.PLEASE LET ME KNOW

Jaggi April 14, 2010 at 3:50 am

Nusrat saab ji aapsa na koi tha, na koi hai, na koi hoga! Ki Mainu koi das sakda hai ke

SADAK saab da pura na ki hai ?

Atizaz Saroya July 7, 2010 at 6:46 am

Nusrat shb iz one of the greatest singeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrr. I really like him soooooooooooooooo

much. I M greatest fan of USTAD NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN. Like,sano ik pal chain ,, dub

dub javy hil maira,,, yah jo dulka hulka sarooooor hai,,,and lots of others. KHAN SHB i think u

canT compaire wd any one singer in this universe. KHAN SHB SALAM PAISH

KURTA HON.

vikas kumarJuly 11, 2010 at 7:58 am

i am also a big fan of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Sahib.His voice give a different type of feel


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to heart .

Ustad Nusrat Shab Khuda Apko pyar barsaye

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