#Who is the father of Qawwali music in Pakistan?

 

Amir Khusrau to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: Identifying the Father of Qawwali Music in Pakistan

Qawwali, the soul-stirring devotional music of the Sufis, has enchanted hearts for centuries, transcending borders, languages, and religions. While its origins can be traced back to 13th-century India under the spiritual influence of Amir Khusrau, Qawwali took on a renewed and vibrant identity in Pakistan after its creation in 1947. In the Pakistani context, when one speaks of the "Father of Qawwali music," the name that echoes most profoundly is Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Though not the originator of Qawwali in the subcontinent, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is widely revered as the artist who redefined and globalized this ancient tradition for modern audiences, particularly in Pakistan. This article explores his contributions, the historical backdrop of Qawwali, and how his legacy earned him the honorary title of the "Father of Qawwali music in Pakistan."

Historical Origins of Qawwali

To appreciate the depth of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s contributions, it’s essential to understand the roots of Qawwali. It began in the 13th century in India, pioneered by the legendary poet, scholar, and musician Amir Khusrau, a disciple of the Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Khusrau combined Persian, Turkish, Arabic, and Indian musical traditions to form what we now recognize as Qawwali.

Qawwali was more than music—it was an act of devotion, an avenue for spiritual ecstasy, and a powerful tool of the Chishti Sufi order for spreading Islam across South Asia. For centuries, Qawwali flourished in the dargahs (shrines) of saints like Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer and Data Ganj Bakhsh in Lahore.

After the partition of India in 1947, Pakistan inherited a rich Qawwali tradition, but it was Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan who elevated it to new heights.

Early Life of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Born in Faisalabad (then Lyallpur), Punjab, Pakistan, in 1948, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan came from a family deeply rooted in Qawwali. His father, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, was a respected Qawwal, and their family lineage of Qawwali singers extended over 600 years.

Initially, his father discouraged him from entering the profession due to the rigorous spiritual and physical demands of Qawwali singing. However, after his father’s death in 1964, Nusrat was trained by his uncles, Mubarak Ali Khan and Salamat Ali Khan, and made his first public performance at his father’s chehlum (the 40th-day memorial ceremony).

Redefining Qawwali in Pakistan

By the 1970s, Qawwali in Pakistan had become a niche spiritual practice, mainly confined to shrines and religious gatherings. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan revolutionized this scene.

Here’s how he redefined Qawwali:

1. Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Nusrat preserved the classical elements of Qawwali—the raag, taal, sargam, and the mehfil-style performance. But he also infused it with innovation, incorporating instruments like the synthesizer and guitar, and collaborated with Western musicians such as Peter Gabriel and Michael Brook.

His compositions blended Urdu, Punjabi, Persian, and Braj Bhasha poetry, making them accessible to diverse audiences across Pakistan and beyond.

2. Bringing Qawwali to the Global Stage

Nusrat was instrumental in introducing Qawwali to international audiences. His breakthrough came with the 1985 WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) Festival in the UK, where his performance left global audiences mesmerized.

His work on Hollywood soundtracks such as Dead Man Walking and The Last Temptation of Christ made him a global icon. Yet, he always returned to his spiritual roots, emphasizing that Qawwali was a divine calling, not just entertainment.

3. Reviving Qawwali Among Youth

In an era when classical and spiritual music was being overshadowed by pop and film songs, Nusrat made Qawwali appealing to the youth. Tracks like "Allah Hoo," "Tumhein Dillagi," and "Afreen Afreen" (later remade in Coke Studio) became cult favorites.

His voice, powerful and emotive, could evoke intense spiritual experiences—whether sung in a village shrine or a European concert hall.

Legacy and Impact

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan passed away on August 16, 1997, in London, but his legacy continues to inspire generations. Here’s how:

• Global Influence: Artists like Jeff Buckley, A. R. Rahman, and even Bollywood composers credit Nusrat as a significant influence.

• Coke Studio Pakistan: The modern music platform that reintroduced Sufi and Qawwali songs to the youth owes much to Nusrat’s legacy. His nephew Rahat Fateh Ali Khan continues to carry the torch.

• Academic Recognition: Institutions like the University of Washington and Berklee College of Music have studied Nusrat’s work for its complexity and cross-cultural relevance.

Why He’s Called the "Father of Qawwali Music in Pakistan"

Although he did not invent Qawwali, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is rightly called the “Father of Qawwali Music in Pakistan” for these reasons:

1. Revival: He revived a spiritual tradition that was slowly fading in popular culture.

2. Accessibility: He made Qawwali accessible to people from all backgrounds—urban, rural, religious, secular.

3. Innovation: He brought modernization without diluting the essence of Qawwali.

4. Globalization: He made Qawwali Pakistan’s most recognizable musical export.

In many ways, he gave Pakistan a cultural and spiritual identity on the global stage through Qawwali, and that feat is unmatched.

Final Thoughts

Qawwali is more than just music—it's a connection to the divine, a bridge between the heart and the heavens. In Pakistan, no one has embodied that spirit more than Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. His voice carried the message of love, surrender, and ecstasy—not only to Sufi shrines but also to the concert halls of Europe and America.

For all these reasons, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is celebrated as the Father of Qawwali Music in Pakistan—a title he earned not by lineage alone, but by passion, innovation, and devotion.