These days when one talks about Pakistan, it is most likely about the sorry political state of the country or a discussion pertaining to terrorism. However, if one dwells further and goes beyond the surface, one discovers a beautiful world of music surviving in the midst of utter ugliness.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the Shahenshah of Qawwali is easily the most symbolic figure of Pakistani music and probably the greatest gift from Pakistan to the world of music. Hailing from a family of Qawwali singers, Nusrat’s ancestors had been associated with Qawwali music for over six centuries. After facing initial resentment from his parents, Nusrat managed to convince his father that his heart and life lay in music. His initial music learning began on the tabla under his father’s tutelage. Father Fateh’s death would not hamper his development as his musical uncles supported his direction in life.

Soon after his training started making positive inroads, Nusrat became the leader of the predominantly intra family Qawwali group referred to as the Party.  The group’s Qawwalis started being played over Pakistani radios through which their popularity gained impetus. Their music started being incorporated as film scores not only in Pakistani, but also in Indian movies.

Soon international concerts beckoned and sparked what would make Nusrat and his Party one of the most heavily touring Asian groups.

With his growing popularity in the west, Nusrat soon became the king of World Music genre and turned into a favorite amongst artists who would not necessarily fit in the same bracket as him. Nusrat was a complete workaholic, and he still holds the title for the largest output recorded by a Qawwali artist years after his death. Through years of mastering his craft, Nusrat had moved through the ranks to become one of the greatest Qawwali artists of his era. He pushed a genre of music that was previously restricted to the access of handful, within reach of the average music listener.

The years building to his death Nusrat became a cornerstone in the emerging cultural exchange between India and Pakistan. His name became symbolic with peace and love. He became the messenger of God conveying a message of beauty and tranquility. All this, while his own health was on a decline. His rigorous work routines took a toll on his body and the damage caused by his own neglect of his health became visible. His liver and kidney gave way before a daggering Cardiac arrest took his life on the 16th of August 1997. The great man was only 48.

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Akshay Saluja is is an ABCD, an American Born Confused Desi. Though being american and being confused have no link in this case. He is a surfer and a tabla enthusiast. Being a devotee of Zakir Hussain and McLaughlin, he has retained his roots through music.