A Dynasty of Devotion
The Khan family’s Qawwali tradition spans an astounding 600 years, making them one of the oldest and most distinguished musical lineages in the world. This unbroken chain of masters has preserved and evolved the sacred art of Qawwali through countless generations.
The Lineage
The family traces its origins to Basti Qawwalan (the colony of Qawwals) in Faisalabad (formerly Lyallpur), Pakistan. For centuries, they have been the custodians of Sufi devotional music, performing at shrines, courts, and eventually, global stages.
Key figures in this illustrious lineage include:
- Ustad Fateh Ali Khan – Nusrat’s father and primary teacher
- Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan – Nusrat’s uncle, who led the party before him
- Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan – The “Shahanshah-e-Qawwali” who took the tradition to the world
- Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan – Nusrat’s brother, the Harmonium King
- Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan – The current torchbearer of the family legacy
The Family Tree
The image below shows the complete genealogy of the Qawwal family, illustrating the remarkable musical heritage that produced Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
The Tradition Continues
Today, the tradition continues through Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who carries forward the family legacy while adapting to contemporary audiences. Other family members and students also continue to perform, ensuring that the sacred art of Qawwali—as shaped by this remarkable family—endures for future generations.
“We are not just a family of musicians. We are the keepers of a sacred tradition that connects the earthly to the divine.”
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