Spotify celebrated Pakistan’s 76th year of Independence by honoring one of the finest musicians that this country has ever produced, the legend Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. As an upgraded version of the dedicated playlist was launched, we were tempted to start streaming it instantly. And in a tribute to his legacy, here are our top picks from the music streaming service’s hub “This is Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan”:
- Yeh Jo Halka Halka Saroor Hae
Originally released in 1992, ‘Ye Jo Halka Halka Saroor Hae’ is an effervescent composition by the “Shehnshah-e-Qawwali” himself. The track and its lyrics talk of love – or rather the pleasantly intoxicating nature of the emotion as one gradually falls more into it. The masterpiece remains an everlasting hit having recently been spun for a movie and inspiring several remixes since its release. It is definitely one that we have on repeat all the time too.
- Tumhe Dil Lagi Bhool Jani Padegi
Written by Purnam Allahabadi and then composed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan himself, this track has always been a favorite for us. The melodic masterpiece draws comparisons between infatuation and love while providing a soulful perspective.
- Mast Nazron Se Allah Bachae
Released in 1983, ‘Mast Nazron Se Allah Bachae’ is an ode to those deceiving eyes that make us fall for them again and again. It truly demonstrates the six-vocal prowess of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and is a treat every time you listen to it. No list of Khan’s greatest hits is complete without this composition.
- Kali Kali Zulfon Ke Phande Na
By far one of the biggest hits by the king of qawwali, ‘Kali Kali Zulfon’ has inspired a number of lo-fi renditions including the most recent one that came from across the border. Encompassing a story of how the pretty lovers are untrustworthy yet true love transcends all, the song was originally released in 1990 but the mastery within it on various levels continues to make it a crowd favorite.
- Afreen Afreen
Part of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s album ‘Sangam’ released in 1996, ‘Afreen Afreen’ is a timeless composition that is a hit, even today. Brought back to life by Momina Mustehsan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in 2016, ‘Afreen Afreen’ was written by Indian legend Javed Akhtar and mastered by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with his magical voice.
- Mere Rashke Qamar
The ultimate fusion of a ghazal and qawwali, Mere Rashke Qamar is a blend that takes expression of love to new heights. Written by Fana Buland Shehri, a famous Urdu poet and first performed by Nusrat in 1988, the track has lyrics that are mesmerizing. Here, Khan compares his beloved not just to the moon, but calls her the envy of the moon itself. Ever since we heard it first, the track has had us hooked.
