“Nusrat - The Voice That Conquered More Than Alexander’s Sword”
There are great singers, and then there are those few voices that transcend time. The late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan could not only transcend time, but also language and religion. There was magic when he opened his mouth, a sense of holy ecstasy that was exciting and emotional. It wasn’t uncommon even for Western listeners, who didn’t understand a word he was singing or follow his Sufi traditions, to be moved to tears upon hearing him.
A Voice That United the World
Known as:
- “Singing Buddha” in Japan
- “Quintessence of Human Singing” in Tunisia
- “Voice of Heaven” in the United States
- “Pavarotti of the Orient” in France
Pakistan’s most revered Qawwal singer made the whole world resonate to the lyrical heights of Qawwali—a devotional form of Sufi song that calls to divine ecstasy.
His nearly superhuman vocal abilities, extraordinary improvisational skills, and the troubling intensity and softness of his voice made him one of the most celebrated superstars of World Music. He simply transported his audience into states of trance and ecstasy. He made them cry and weep at will. He made them dance and sing along—although most of the audience never understood a word he uttered.
He brought Qawwali music from mosques and shrines of Sufi saints to the common man, winning the applause of the most diverse audiences while staying faithful to his message:
“When I’m singing, the distance between God and me becomes lesser. This music brings people together.”
A Living Legend
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a bridge between tradition and modernity, Orient and Occident, the sacred and the profane. Since his untimely death in 1997, his legacy has continued to spread among major artists worldwide.
This site is not just a tribute—it’s a journey exploring the great messenger whose voice made many feel the existence of God. This project features all aspects of the Legend and serves as a guide to help you experience the maximum from his legacy to achieve the utmost peace and ecstasy.
Featured Performances
Continue reading: Short Biography →
