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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Party was a Pakistani qawwali musical group, led by Sufi singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The group is regarded one of the most influential in the qawwali tradition and is credited with popularizing the genre of Sufi devotional music beyond South Asia. Under the guidance of Khan, the ensemble earned international recognition, performing in major cultural venues and collaborating with artists from various musical traditions. They introduced various musical techniques, such as fusion with traditional Qawwali, which contributed to the evolution of the genre. Active during the 20th century, their contributions to world music established them as a key figures in the history of Sufi music. The core lineup of the group comprised Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan, Ghulam Farid Sabri, Dildar Hussain, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Nusrat himself.

History

While the exact date of its formation is not well-documented, the group traces its roots to the early involvement of a prominent qawwal and Nusrat's father, Fateh Ali Khan in the qawwali tradition. After his death in 1964, Nusrat assumed leadership of the ensemble Fateh Ali Khan. Initially named Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan–Mujahid Mubarak Ali Khan & Party, the group initially emphasized the dual vocal roles of Nusrat and his cousin, Mujahid Mubarak Ali Khan. As Nusrat's vocal abilities developed and his prominence grew, the ensemble became more closely associated with his name, eventually becoming recognized as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Party.

The ensemble evolved over time as new members joined and contributed to its musical works. Mujahid Mubarak continued with the group until the late 1980s, when he formed his own ensemble. The group combined traditional qawwali elements with fusion introduced by Nusrat, leading to establish its musical identity.

Development

The group evolved through the contributions of its members. Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan, Nusrat's brother, played a central role in the group with his abilities on the harmonium and as a secondary or sometimes third vocalist. He also assisted in the musical arrangements alongside Nusrat, drawing on the family's musical tradition.

Iqbal Naqibi, a former student of Nusrat, became another prominent lineup in the group. He joined the group as both a chorus member and manager. He played a central role in the group's international recognition, particularly during their tours to UK in the 1980s and 1990s. As the only fluent English speaker in the group, he acted as a mediator during international performances.

In the mid-1970s, Dildar Hussain, a tabla player from a family with a percussion tradition, became a member of the group. Initially joining on an occasional basis, he later became a permanent member. His music collaboration with Nusrat also established the musical identity of the group. Over the next two decades, Dildar remained a core lineup, serving as Nusrat's primary tabla player.