Pakistan’s legendary musician, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who passed away in 1997 at 48, continues to enchant global audiences with his timeless qawwali music. Real World Records announced on Wednesday that a long-lost album titled ‘Chain of Light,’ recorded 34 years ago, will be released on September 20 this year.
Real World Records, founded by Peter Gabriel in 1989, discovered the album while relocating their tape archives. This find is a significant moment for fans worldwide who eagerly anticipate new material from the maestro, known for blending Eastern qawwali traditions with Western musical elements.
Read more: Milan Luthria Recounts Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Anand Bakshi’s Clash on ‘Kachche Dhaage’ Set
Reflecting on his collaboration with Khan, Peter Gabriel expressed deep admiration: “His voice could evoke extraordinary emotions, and we were proud to have helped bring him to a wider global audience.” The album, recorded after Khan signed with Real World Records, adds to his series of notable releases from the 1990s.
In 1997 Khan tragically died at the age of 48. He had exposed the mystical power of qawwali and its capacity for modern interpretations to the world, but his voice was no more. Almost 30 years later, the singer’s legacy continues to attract new generations of fans, evident in the 6 million average monthly Spotify listeners and YouTube videos of his music racking up over 1 billion views.
Fans of the great maestro will be thrilled to also learn that the definitive documentary film on Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s life is in the making. Saiyna Bashir Studios, an Islamabad based company, will release their labour of love biopic Ustad at the end of 2025. The film will tell the untold story of one of the world’s greatest singers, featuring rare and unseen archive footage with contributions from a cast of close family, friends, collaborators, and fans. Earlier this year, Saiyna Bashir Studios received a grant from the British Council to support Real World Records to promote Chain of Light.
Michael Brook, producer of the famous “Mustt Mustt” album, highlighted the album’s impact: “These songs are transformative and transcendent, crossing languages and cultures. They draw the listener in, regardless of their expectations.”
With over six million monthly Spotify listeners and music videos surpassing 1 billion views on YouTube, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s influence remains strong, appealing to both longtime fans and new generations.
As fans eagerly await the album’s release, it promises to reignite the magic of Khan’s voice and his unique ability to connect with listeners worldwide.
