Dawn Images

Few musicians have the genre-defining impact that Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan — often referred to by his initials as NFAK — had on qawwali. From breathing new life into centuries-old Sufi verses to popularising his craft globally, Khan was truly deserving of the title Shehenshah-e-Qawwali (King of Qawwali).

On his 28th death anniversary, we’ve compiled a list of 10 works to remember him by.

If you want, you can check out our Spotify playlist!

‘Mast Mast Dum Mast’

Starting off strong with a mysterious verse nobody can pinpoint the origins of, legends say this qawwali was originally penned 700 to 800 years ago by Amir Khusro and later adapted by Bulleh Shah. While several renditions exist, including by Noor Jehan, Abida Parveen, and even a rock version by Junoon, we find that there’s a unique peace in Khan’s way of performing it.

‘Yeh Jo Halka Halka Saroor’

Another qawwali with several adaptations, this one speaks of losing oneself in devotion, likening the experience of spiritual enlightenment to intoxication.

‘Kali Kali Zulfon Ke Phande Na Daalo’

One of NFAK’s most popular qawwalis, this one is the life of every event it is performed at. You’ve no doubt heard many singers perform it, but nothing comes close to the original.

‘Sochta Houn’

This qawwali symbolises innocence lost over time and is fairly popular with Gen-Z, having gotten its fair share of remixes over the internet.

‘Sanson Ki Maala’

This one comes from a 16th-century Hindu mystic poet known as Meera Bai. Khan performed this qawwali on his first tour to India in 1980 and it remains popular among Hindus and Muslims on both sides of the border.

‘Ya Gaus Ya Meeran’

This comes from Khan’s latest album Chain of Light, a series of ‘lost recordings’ that were released last year, 34 years after they were first recorded. It’s not one of the classics, but we think it deserves a spot on the list.

‘Aaja Tenu Akhiyan Udeek Diyan’

One of Khan’s evergreen Punjabi tracks, this one takes the qawwal back to his roots in Jalandhar and Faisalabad.

‘Mast Nazron Se Allah Bachaye’

Another qawwali night essential, this one acknowledges just how much alluring beauty can be and immediately prays not to be lured in by it. Similar to ‘Kali Kali Zulfon ke Phande Na Daalo’ and ‘Sochta Houn’, this track also hits home for Gen-Z.

‘Mera Piya Ghar Aaya’

A celebratory poem by Bulleh Shah, this qawwali speaks of his reunion with his mentor after a prolonged wait and has gained great popularity after Coke Studio recorded a rendition with Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad. This is Khan’s version from 1977.

‘Longing’

Lastly, we wanted to include a track from Khan’s album Night Song, which he recorded with Canadian guitarist Michael Brook. A fusion of east and west, this rendition of ‘Tere Bin Nahi Lagda Dil Mera’ is criminally underrated.

That’s our top 10, what are your favourites? Let us know what we should add to our playlist in the comments.