20th death anniversary of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan being observed today

The 20th death anniversary of the legendary ‘Qawwali’ maestro Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is being observed on Wednesday.

He was a Qawwali singer and considered one of the greatest singers ever recorded; he possessed a six-octave vocal range and could perform at a high level of intensity for several hours. He performed worldwide with many renowned musicians.

In 1987, the government of Pakistan bestowed Pride of Performance on the legendary singer for his contribution to Pakistani music.

His popular records include Akhiyan Udeek Diyan, Yaar Na Wichray, Mera Piya Ghar Aya and Meri Zindagi. Among his many Sufi songs, Wohi Khuda Hay remained prominent as a spirituality-sparking song.

Khan was taken ill with kidney and liver failure on August 11‚ 1997 in London. He died of a sudden cardiac arrest at Cromwell Hospital‚ London‚ on August 16‚ 1997 at the age of 48.