Music streaming platform Spotify has announced a special tribute to Pakistan’s renowned singer, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, on the occasion of the country’s 76th Independence Day. In celebration of this milestone, Spotify is unveiling an upgraded version of the playlist dedicated to the Sufi music icon.
The playlist, titled ‘This is Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’, has been curated to honor the timeless contributions of the maestro. It features a collection of his iconic melodies, blended with modern genres to create captivating compositions for contemporary audiences.
Despite his passing over two decades ago, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s legacy continues to thrive. According to Spotify’s recent data, he ranks as the 4th most streamed Pakistani artist on the platform this year. His music has continued to inspire listeners of all generations, transcending time and boundaries. Tracks such as ‘Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hae’, ‘Afreen Afreen’, ‘Mustt Mustt’, and ‘The Long Road’ (featuring Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder) remain some of his most beloved songs, alongside his collaborations with international producer Peter Gabriel.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s profound influence on diverse musical styles is evident through the ongoing creation of covers and remakes of his original compositions. Contemporary renditions like ‘Lut Gaye’, ‘Mere Rashke Qamar’, ‘Kali Kali Zulfon Ke’, ‘Mere Baad Kisko Sataoge’, and ‘Dekhte Dekhte’ have gained immense popularity, reaffirming the enduring appeal of his work.
Spotify’s data also highlights that it’s the younger generation that keeps Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s musical legacy alive. A significant 37% of his listeners fall between the ages of 18 and 22. The age group of 23 to 27 constitutes 24% of his audience, while those aged 28 to 34 and under 18 years old each make up 14% of his listenership.
Overall, Nusrat’s songs have garnered a remarkable increase in monthly listeners, exceeding 5 million this year. The global reach of his music is evident, with the top countries for streaming his tracks including India, the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia.
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To honor his influence, Spotify is set to release a tribute video on August 14. In this video, modern artists from diverse genres will share their personal reflections on how Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and his music have played a pivotal role in shaping their own musical journeys.
Spotify’s tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan underscores the enduring impact of his musical contributions. As the world celebrates Pakistan’s Independence Day, this gesture not only pays homage to a legendary qawwal but also ensures that his soul-stirring melodies continue to resonate with audiences across the globe.
