Rahat says his honorary Oxford degree is a recognition of Pakistani music

[Dubious]

LONDON: Famed Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will soon be honoured by the prestigious University of Oxford.

The university will confer honorary degrees during a ceremony called ‘Encaenia’ on Rahat, nephew of world famous Qawali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, described by the varsity as "devotional music of the Muslim Sufi".

"Born into a family whose name has become synonymous with South Asian musical tradition, he began formal training at the age of seven and has since released more than fifty albums, performed in numerous high-profile concerts across the world, and amassed a global following, achieving over one billion views online,” it said.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has performed a number of concerts all around the world and has sung more than 50 title tracks both in Hollywood and Bollywood.

The award will be presented to him at the Oxford University in a ceremony scheduled on 26th June.


https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/449593-oxford-university-to-honour-rahat-fateh-ali-khan

 

[Path-Finder]

has he become a member of a "secretive" organisation?

 

[Baby Leone]

I have performed in every part of the world but everyone knows that Pakistan is my first priority, he says

Renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has said that he is very much optimistic about the future of Pakistani music and Qawwali.

Talking to reporters at the Karachi Press Club a day after the Oxford University announced conferring an honorary degree on him, he said: “I have some 1,200 students who are learning Qawwali.”

The vocalist thanked the Oxford University and dedicated the honour to his family. He said it was actually the recognition of Pakistani music and culture.

Also read: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan feels honoured as Oxford University names hall after him

“I have performed in every part of the world and sung for film industries of different countries. But everyone knows that Pakistan is my first priority. Whatever I am today is because of this country and its people. Wherever in the world, I am invited to perform it’s in fact the recognition of Pakistani music and its culture,” he said.

Related: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan appointed ambassador of British charity by Prince Charles

Rahat will be awarded the honorary degree at a function to be held in June this year.

The honorary degree will be awarded to seven other personalities for their invaluable services in different fields.

Originally published in Dawn, March 29th, 2019

 

[Bengal71]

I am an admirer of his uncle Nusrat Sahib. Don't know much about Rahat though, except that he used to do aaaa aaa aaa in the Qawali of Nusrat's group.

 

[Baby Leone]

I am an admirer of his uncle Nusrat Sahib. Don't know much about Rahat though, except that he used to do aaaa aaa aaa in the Qawali of Nusrat's group.

he is also a great musician and have done so much for Asian music on world stage.

 

[atya]

he is also a great musician and have done so much for Asian music on world stage.

Correction: Pakistani music on the world stage.

 

[Bengal71]

he is also a great musician and have done so much for Asian music on world stage.

Didn't get to listen to his music. But I really miss Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, he was one of my favorites. I liked the traditional qawali he used to sing. The man died too early, may Allah SWT have mercy on his soul.

My most favorite one from him, although I don't understand a single word of Punjabi.

 

[Baby Leone]

Correction: Pakistani music on the world stage.

Asian Music as whole and Pakistan Music in particular.