If Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sang with a voice that seemed divine, then those who preserved and released his unreleased work have performed a task of divine significance. The incredible story behind the discovery of Chain of Light, an unreleased album by Nusrat, feels almost as magical as his music itself. The tale is so extraordinary that it might make you question whether some creative liberties were taken in recounting how the record was found, gathering dust in a World War II warehouse where the archives of Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios were stored—it sounds almost too surreal to be true.
The very idea that a Nusrat record could have been forgotten and left to obscurity feels almost sacrilegious, especially for Pakistanis who hold him in such high regard. However, any initial offense fades once you hear the unreleased album, particularly the mesmerizing rhythmic complexity of Ya Ghous Ya Meeran.
On Saturday night, a select audience in Karachi had the privilege of listening to excerpts from this album and watching an extended trailer for Ustad, a documentary on Nusrat’s life produced by Sayna Bashir Productions, at the British Council.
Also Read: Real World Records to release ‘lost album’ by the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
The Lost Album
Chain of Light, as named by Nusrat’s international manager Rashid Ahmed Din, is a collection of previously unheard recordings made in 1990 at Real World Studios. This was during a period when Nusrat was at the peak of his global success, both as a vocalist and a composer. The album, long forgotten, has been meticulously restored from the original analogue tapes and includes four tracks, such as Ya Allah Ya Rehman and the extraordinary Ya Ghous Ya Meeran. Listening to snippets from the album, one could feel Nusrat’s music still resonating in our cultural soundscape. The experience was akin to rediscovering an old favorite that feels timeless.
Ya Ghous Ya Meeran was particularly stunning. Its dynamic, powerful composition showcased Nusrat’s mastery over rhythm, as he skillfully guided listeners through different musical realms, much like an illusionist. This is the only recording of the track, and the reaction of the musicians and aficionados present—awed and ecstatic—was a testament to its impact.
‘Ustad’ the Documentary
Capturing the life and legacy of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in a documentary is no small feat, given the profound changes in the world of Qawwali, Eastern traditions, and even within Nusrat’s own family. Watching the trailer for Ustad, one couldn’t help but reflect on recent controversies involving Nusrat’s nephew, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who succeeded him. Rahat’s viral video where he reprimanded his student sparked discussions about Nusrat’s legacy and whether the traditional Ustad/Shagird relationship has become toxic.
Rahat appears in the documentary, particularly in scenes from Nusrat’s funeral and his succession, but the filmmakers face a crucial challenge: how to honor Nusrat without relying solely on nostalgia. A documentary that merely looks back would fail to do justice to Nusrat, the most globally acclaimed and creatively gifted musician from South Asia.
During the panel discussion following the screening, Zakir Thaver, involved in Ustad, mentioned that the project is still seeking full funding and urged fans to contribute any rare footage of Nusrat. Renowned singer Tina Sani stressed the need for better archiving of Pakistani musicians, highlighting the unfortunate erasure of some of the best work recorded at PTV to make room for new content.
Ustad promises to be a significant contribution to documenting the life of South Asia’s greatest musician and Qawwal. With the inclusion of figures like Peter Gabriel and Michael Brook, the documentary already holds great promise, contingent on further investment and research.
As the UK gears up for a possible Oasis reunion, Chain of Light will find its place in the cultural calendar with events in Manchester on September 10, Birmingham on September 11, Paris on September 13, and London on September 19, culminating in the official album release on September 20, 2024.
