Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, also known as the “King of Qawwali”, was a Pakistani musician, singer, and composer. He was famous for his soulful voice and his unique style of Qawwali music, which is a form of devotional music in the Muslim Sufi tradition. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music has transcended cultural and religious boundaries, and he is considered one of the greatest singers of all time in South Asia. He was responsible for bringing Qawwaxli music to the Western world and introducing it to a new audience.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s discography is extensive, but some of his songs have stood the test of time and are still celebrated today. His music has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, and his influence can be heard in the works of many contemporary musicians. In this list, we will explore the top 10 best Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan songs of all time, which showcase his incredible vocal range and mastery of the Qawwali style. From his soul-stirring rendition of “Allah Hoo” to the romantic “Mere Rashke Qamar,” Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music continues to inspire and move listeners all around the world.
1. “Akhiyan Udeek Diyan”
“Akhiyan Udeek Diyan” is a soulful qawwali song by the legendary Pakistani musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The song is a beautiful expression of longing and devotion, with Khan’s powerful vocals soaring over a haunting melody and hypnotic rhythm.The lyrics speak of the pain of separation and the yearning for spiritual connection, as Khan’s voice rises and falls with emotion, building to a breathtaking climax. The music is characterized by its intricate percussion and hypnotic harmonium, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that draws the listener in.
Overall, “Akhiyan Udeek Diyan” is a testament to Khan’s incredible talent as a musician and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The song has become a beloved classic in the world of qawwali music and continues to inspire listeners with its beauty and spiritual power.
2. “Ankh Uthi Mohabbat Ne Angrai Li”
“Ankh Uthi Mohabbat Ne Angrai Li” is a classic ghazal by the legendary Pakistani musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The song is a beautiful expression of love, longing and heartbreak, with Khan’s powerful vocals and the soulful melody evoking intense emotions in the listener.The lyrics speak of a love that has been lost, with the narrator recalling past moments of joy and passion. Khan’s voice is filled with emotion as he sings of the pain of separation and the hope of rekindling the flame of love. The music is characterized by its haunting melody and the traditional instrumentation of the tabla, harmonium, and sitar.
Overall, “Ankh Uthi Mohabbat Ne Angrai Li” is a timeless masterpiece that showcases Khan’s exceptional talent as a vocalist and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The song has become a beloved classic in the world of ghazal music and continues to inspire listeners with its beauty and poetic lyrics.
3. “Tumhe Dillagi”
“Tumhe Dillagi” is a soulful qawwali by the legendary Pakistani musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The song is a beautiful expression of love and devotion, with Khan’s powerful vocals and the beautiful melody evoking intense emotions in the listener.The lyrics speak of the love and devotion one has for the divine, with the narrator pleading with the beloved to come closer and to feel the depth of their love. The song is characterized by its beautiful melody and the traditional qawwali instrumentation of the tabla, harmonium, and sarangi.
Overall, “Tumhe Dillagi” is a timeless masterpiece that showcases Khan’s exceptional talent as a vocalist and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The song has become a beloved classic in the world of qawwali music and continues to inspire listeners with its beauty and spiritual message.
4. “Mast Nazron Se”
“Mast Nazron Se” is a popular qawwali by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a legendary Pakistani musician known for his powerful and soulful vocals. The song is an expression of love and devotion, with Khan’s incredible voice and the beautiful melody capturing the listener’s heart.The lyrics speak of the beauty and allure of the beloved’s eyes, with the narrator expressing their longing and desire to be close to them. The song is characterized by its mesmerizing melody and the traditional qawwali instrumentation of the tabla, harmonium, and sarangi.
Overall, “Mast Nazron Se” is a beautiful and captivating qawwali that showcases Khan’s exceptional vocal abilities and his ability to connect with his listeners on a deep emotional level. The song has become a beloved classic in the world of qawwali music and continues to inspire listeners with its beauty and spiritual message.
5. Sanson ki mala
“Sanson Ki Mala” is a timeless qawwali by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, one of the most celebrated qawwali singers of all time. The song is a devotional track, expressing the narrator’s love and devotion to their spiritual guide, and their desire to be in their company.The song’s melody is beautifully haunting, with Khan’s powerful and soulful vocals taking center stage. The traditional qawwali instrumentation, including the harmonium, tabla, and dholak, adds depth and richness to the song, creating a spiritual and emotional atmosphere.
Overall, “Sanson Ki Mala” is a classic qawwali that showcases Khan’s exceptional vocal abilities and his mastery of the genre. The song continues to inspire and move listeners with its beauty, spirituality, and profound message.
6. “Sun Charkhe Di Mithi Mithi”
“Sun Charkhe Di Mithi Mithi” is a soulful qawwali by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the legendary Pakistani musician and vocalist. The song is a beautiful blend of traditional qawwali and contemporary elements that showcase the musical prowess of the artist. The lyrics of the song revolve around the theme of love and devotion to the divine, and the mesmerizing vocals of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan bring them to life with their rich tonality and emotive power. The intricate harmonies, rhythmic beats, and mesmerizing melodies create a hypnotic and enchanting atmosphere that captures the listener’s attention and takes them on a spiritual journey. The song is a testament to the artist’s mastery of the qawwali form and his ability to connect with his audience on a deep emotional level.
It has become an iconic piece of music, inspiring generations of musicians and listeners alike with its timeless appeal. Whether you are a fan of qawwali music or not, “Sun Charkhe Di Mithi Mithi” is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates great music and soulful vocals.
7. “Aag Daman Main Lag Jayegi”
“Aag Daman Main Lag Jayegi” is a qawwali song sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The song features powerful and soulful vocals by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, which is accompanied by harmonium and tabla. The song is a perfect blend of Sufi and Qawwali music that captivates the listener’s attention.
The lyrics of the song talk about the burning desire and love for the almighty, and how it can set the world on fire. The chorus of the song “Aag daman mein lag jayegi, Woh khushbu-e- dilruba, Pehle mile na mile khuda, Kehte hain sufiyaa” translates to “The fire will set ablaze the chest, that fragrance of the beloved, Before meeting God, say the Sufis.”
8. “Sochta houn”
“Sochta houn” is a soulful qawwali song by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan that expresses the pain and longing of a broken heart. The song starts with a melancholic melody played on the harmonium, accompanied by the rhythmic clapping of hands. Nusrat’s powerful and emotive voice soon takes over, as he sings the Urdu lyrics that speak of the pain of unrequited love and the agony of separation.
As the song progresses, the tempo picks up and the instrumentation becomes more intense, with the addition of tabla and other percussive instruments. The repetitive chorus of “Sochta houn ke woh kitne masoom thay” (I think about how innocent they were) adds to the haunting quality of the song, as Nusrat’s voice soars and dips with emotion.
9. “Mere Rashke Qamar”
“Mere Rashke Qamar” is a soulful qawwali sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The song is known for its mesmerizing melody and Nusrat’s incredible vocals that effortlessly blend traditional qawwali music with contemporary sounds. The lyrics are in Urdu and express the emotions of a lover who is bewitched by the beauty of his beloved. The song starts with a soft melody and gradually builds up to a high-pitched crescendo, showcasing Nusrat’s exceptional vocal range and control.
The rhythmic clapping and harmonium create a hypnotic effect that captures the essence of traditional qawwali music. Nusrat’s passionate rendition of “Mere Rashke Qamar” has made it a timeless classic that continues to inspire music lovers across the world. The song has also been reinterpreted by various artists and used in Bollywood films, further cementing its status as a cultural icon.
10. “Allah hoo”
“Allah hoo” is a soulful qawwali, performed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a legendary qawwali singer and composer. The song features powerful and emotive vocals, with Nusrat’s voice soaring over the hypnotic rhythm of the tabla, dholak, and harmonium. The lyrics are in praise of the Almighty, expressing devotion and surrender to the divine. As the song progresses, the tempo picks up and the energy builds, creating a mesmerizing and uplifting experience for the listener.
The intricate vocal ornamentations and improvisations by Nusrat, combined with the backing vocals of his group, add a rich and textured dimension to the song. The repeated chorus of “Allah hoo” becomes a meditative chant, inviting the listener to join in the devotional experience.