Beyond Qawwali: Unearthing the Classical Soul of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

When the name Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is uttered, the immediate association for most listeners is the ecstatic, hand-clapping, whirlwind force of Qawwali. Tracks like Allah Hoo, Dum Mast Qalandar, and Dam Mast Qalandar have become anthems of spiritual euphoria, while his collaborations with Peter Gabriel and Eddie Vedder introduced his voice to Western rock audiences.

When we speak of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the world often thinks of ecstatic qawwali — the trance-inducing spiritual anthems that transcend borders. But beneath that towering fame lies an even deeper root: his breathtaking mastery of South Asian classical music.

The slow, introductory movement of a raga where the singer explores the scale. Gamak and Meend:

Challenges and controversies