Entertainment
Legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Posthumous Album “Chain of Light” Released
More than three decades after it was recorded, the legendary voice of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan makes a triumphant return with the release of Chain of Light, a posthumous album unveiled today, September 20, by Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records.
The album features four tracks spanning 41 minutes, capturing the essence of Khan’s mesmerizing qawwali performances. Songs like “Ya Allah Ya Rehman” and “Aaj Sik Mitran Di” transport listeners straight to the high-energy atmosphere of the iconic Pakistani artist’s live concerts.
The track “Ya Gaus Ya Meeran” intensifies the album’s spiritual essence, while “Khabram Raseed Imshab” adopts a more joyful tone, showcasing the remarkable range and depth of Khan’s legendary vocals.
Chain of Light was recorded in April 1990 at Real World Studios, during the same period when Khan collaborated with Canadian producer Michael Brook on Mustt Mustt. The album features Khan on harmonium and vocals, alongside his brother Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan, tabla player Dildar Hussain, and chorus members Mujahid Ali, Rehmat Ali, Rahat Ali, Asad Ali, Ghulam Farid, and Khalid Mahmood.
Peter Gabriel, founder of Real World Records and former frontman of Genesis, expressed his admiration for Nusrat upon the album’s announcement in June. “What he could do and make you feel with his voice was extraordinary,” Gabriel stated. “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 after being forgotten in warehouse storage during the label’s archive relocation. Gabriel referred to the rediscovery as a “real delight,” noting that Chain of Light reveals Nusrat at his best.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 48, remains an influential figure in world music. His unique qawwali style has garnered global recognition, with family members like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan continuing his rich legacy.
Chain of Light is now available for download, offering fans a chance to experience the magic of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan once again.
