More than three decades after it was recorded, the legendary voice of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan returns with the release of “Chain of Light”, a posthumous album launched on September 20 by Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records. This four-track album, spanning 41 minutes, brings the mesmerizing essence of Khan’s iconic qawwali performances back to life.
The songs, including “Ya Allah Ya Rehman” and “Aaj Sik Mitran Di“, instantly transport listeners to the high-energy, spiritual atmosphere of Khan’s live performances. Tracks like “Ya Gaus Ya Meeran” elevate the album’s emotional intensity, while “Khabram Raseed Imshab” brings a more joyful and uplifting tone, highlighting the range of Nusrat’s legendary vocals.
Also Read: A glimpse into Nusrat’s lost album ‘Chain of Light’ and its timeless magic
The album was recorded in April 1990 at Real World Studios, during the same period that Nusrat worked on his renowned album Mustt Mustt with Canadian producer Michael Brook. Alongside Nusrat, the album features his brother Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan on harmonium, Dildar Hussain on tabla, and a chorus including Mujahid Ali, Rehmat Ali, Rahat Ali, Asad Ali, Ghulam Farid, and Khalid Mahmood.
Peter Gabriel, the founder of Real World Records and former frontman of Genesis, expressed his deep admiration for Nusrat, stating, “What he could do and make you feel with his voice was extraordinary. We were proud to have helped bring him to a wider global audience. This album shows him at his peak.”
The recordings were rediscovered in 2021, having been forgotten in storage during the label’s archive relocation. Gabriel described the rediscovery as a “real delight,” emphasizing that Chain of Light reveals Nusrat at his finest.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 48, remains one of the most influential figures in world music. His unique qawwali style continues to be celebrated globally, with his family, including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, upholding his incredible legacy.
