Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Lost Album ‘Chain of Light’ Released After 30 Years, Featuring Rare Recordings from 1990
Chain of Light presents meticulously restored tracks from the original analogue tapes
A previously unreleased music collection by the legendary Pakistani qawwali artist Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, titled Chain of Light, has made its long-awaited debut on YouTube, as announced by the production company behind the project. The album, often referred to as Khan’s “lost album,” features rare recordings from 1990, made at the iconic Real World Studios.
This period marked Khan’s prime, showcasing his exceptional vocal abilities that captivated global audiences.
Chain of Light presents meticulously restored tracks from the original analogue tapes, offering a pristine rendition of the beloved classic “Ya Allah Ya Rehman” and the only known recording of the spiritual masterpiece “Ya Gaus Ya Meeran.” Fans and music enthusiasts are thrilled with these treasures, which highlight the unmatched range and emotional depth of Khan’s qawwali performances.
The British Council supported the project, which culminated in a series of high-profile launch events across major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Manchester, Birmingham, London, and Paris.
The album was officially released on Friday, much to the delight of fans who have waited three decades to experience this musical gem.
Even decades after his passing, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan continues to be a major presence in the music world. He is currently among Spotify’s top 10 most-streamed artists, with data showing that 37% of his listeners are between the ages of 18 and 22. Another 24% fall within the 23 to 27 age range, while both the 28 to 34 group and those under 18 account for 14% of his audience each.
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.
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.
