A previously unreleased collection of music by the legendary Pakistani artist Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, titled Chain of Light, has debuted on YouTube, according to the production company behind the album.
The long-awaited “lost album” features recordings made in 1990 at Real World Studios, during a time when Khan was at the peak of his vocal prowess.
Chain of Light includes restored tracks from original analogue tapes, showcasing a pristine version of the beloved classic “Ya Allah Ya Rehman” and the only known rendition of “Ya Gaus Ya Meeran.”
The British Council supported the project, which was celebrated through a series of launch events held in major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Manchester, Birmingham, London, and Paris, culminating in the official release on Friday.
In a recent post on X, English musician Peter Gabriel, owner of Real World Records, revealed an excerpt from a short film detailing the rediscovery of the album Chain of Light in the archives of his production company.
“The new album by @nusratofficial, Chain of Light, is out today on @RealWorldRec,” Gabriel stated. “You can watch it in full on the Real World [Records] YouTube channel.”
The project is a collaboration between Pakistan’s Saiyna Bashir Studios, which is also developing a documentary biopic titled Ustad about the iconic singer, and Gabriel’s Real World Records. The Ustad documentary is expected to be released in late 2025.
Last month, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott hosted a highly anticipated album launch event in Islamabad, generating excitement among fans and music enthusiasts alike.
Listen to the songs here
Khan is celebrated as one of the greatest voices in music history, known for his significant contribution to popularising Qawwali in the West. Throughout his career, he collaborated with notable Western artists, including Peter Gabriel, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, and renowned producer Michael Brook. His powerful vocals also graced soundtracks for films by legendary directors such as Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, and Tim Robbins.
Even decades after his passing, Nusrat remains a prominent figure in the music scene. He ranks among the top 10 most-streamed artists on Spotify, with analytics revealing that 37% of his listeners are aged 18 to 22. The 23 to 27 age group constitutes 24% of his audience, while listeners aged 28 to 34 and those under 18 each make up 14%.
