A Tribute to a Music Genius: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Greatest Hits

Today is the 20th death anniversary of the legend qawwali artist and world renowned singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Born on October 13, 1948, Nusrat died when he was only 48 years old on 16th August 1997 due to kidney and liver failure.

His expression of Sufiana Kalam left everyone in a trance thanks to his extraordinary range of vocal abilities and hours of live performances at high levels of intensity. He is often referred to as “Shahenshah-e-Qawwali”.

His work has been featured in several of his albums, concerts and often in movies as well. He travelled the world for his concerts including United Kingdom, India, Japan and the United States.

He released 25 qawwali albums during his lifetime which were instant hits throughout Pakistan.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan had received several accolades from various countries. In 1987, he was awarded the “Pride of Performance” by the President of Pakistan. He also received the UNESCO music prize in 1995 and the Arts and Culture Prize of the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prizes, Japan. The Japanese knew him as the singing Buddha even though they could not understand his language.

Even after death, he has received several awards and nominations including Time magazine’s “60 Years of Asian Heroes”, CNN’s list of twenty most iconic musicians”Legends” award at the UK Asian Music Awards, NPR’s 50 Great Voices list,  and 14th position in UGO’s list of the best singers of all time.

To commemorate his numerous contributions to the world of music, here are 10 songs, qawwalis and hamds that made him unforgettable for people around the world:

1. Wohi Khuda Hai

2. Jaaney Kab Hongey Kam, Iss Duniya ke Gham

3. Akhiyaan Udeek Diyaan

4. Allah Hoo

5. Afreen Afreen

6. Piya Re Piya Re

7. Dam Mast Qalandar

8. Meri Tobah

9. Behad Ramza Dasda

10. Gal Ik Nuqtay Wich Muqdi Ae

Got any other favorites by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan? Share them with everyone in the comments below.