Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: Rediscovering Sufi Mastery in Unheard Qawwali

In 1990, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a renowned Pakistani qawwali singer, was at a pivotal moment in his career, having gained significant recognition in the West since his Womad festival appearance in 1985. His powerful voice and rapid vocalizations had captivated audiences, leading him to explore new musical territories. This year marked a departure from traditional Sufi music as he collaborated with producer Michael Brook on the landmark album Mustt Mustt, which fused Sufi poetry with modern instrumentation. Before this crossover, Khan recorded four traditional qawwali compositions with Brook that remained unreleased until recently. These tracks were rediscovered and remastered, culminating in the album Chain of Light, which was released 27 years after his untimely death in 1997 at the age of 48. The album showcases Khan's extraordinary vocal abilities, beginning with the qawwali standard Ya Allah Ya Rehman, where his emotive singing is supported by a lively tabla and harmonium. The second track, Aaj Sik Mitran Di, allows for a more flexible tempo, highlighting Khan's vocal prowess as he navigates through varying rhythms. The standout piece, Ya Gaus Ya Meeran, features unexpected tempo changes and showcases Khan's mastery of vocal techniques, culminating in a powerful expression of spiritual connection. Chain of Light is not merely a collection of unreleased tracks; it represents a cohesive body of work that reaffirms Khan's deep roots in the Sufi tradition while also hinting at the revolutionary path he was about to embark on in his musical journey.