Ghazal Singers

Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a renowned Pakistani singer, songwriter, and music director known for his mastery of qawwali music, a form of Sufi devotional music. Referred to as the "Shahenshah-e-Qawwali," he is considered one of the greatest qawwali singers of all time. Khan introduced qawwali music to international audiences and collaborated with Western artists, expanding his influence on world music. He toured extensively, performing in over 40 countries and had a significant impact on contemporary South Asian popular music, including Pakistani and Indian pop as well as Bollywood music.

Jagjit Singh was a highly acclaimed Indian composer, singer, and musician known for his significant contributions to the revival and popularity of the ghazal genre. He composed and sang in multiple languages, emphasizing the meaning of words and melody in his music. Singh's Bol-pradhan style of composing and singing made him a pioneer in Indian classical music, showcased in various films and TV serials. With a career spanning five decades, he is considered the most successful ghazal singer and composer in terms of critical acclaim and commercial success. Singh's philanthropic efforts and societal contributions further solidified his legacy as one of India's most influential artists.

Noor Jehan, also known as Malika-e-Tarannum, was a highly acclaimed playback singer and actress in British India and later in Pakistan. With a career spanning over six decades, she is regarded as one of the greatest singers in the Indian subcontinent. Noor Jehan excelled in various music genres, including Hindustani classical music. She holds the record, alongside Ahmed Rushdi, for lending her voice to the largest number of film songs in Pakistani cinema history. Additionally, she recorded thousands of songs in languages such as Urdu, Punjabi, and Sindhi, and is recognized as the first female Pakistani film director.

Mehdi Hassan Khan, known as Mehdi Hassan, was a highly acclaimed Pakistani ghazal singer and playback singer. He was revered as the "Shahenshah-e-Ghazal" (Emperor of Ghazal) for his haunting baritone voice and innovative approach to maintaining the integrity of ragas. Hassan's influence transcended borders, introducing ghazal singing to a global audience. Over his career, he lent his voice to over 300 films and received several prestigious awards for his outstanding contributions to the arts.

Abida Parveen is a renowned Pakistani singer, composer, and musician specializing in Sufi music. Known as the 'Queen of Sufi music', she has gained global recognition for her powerful and emotive voice. Parveen is skilled in various instruments such as the Pump organ, Keyboard, and Sitar. She has appeared in popular musical shows like Coke Studio and served as a judge in regional music contests. Parveen's repertoire includes ghazals, qawwali, Sufi rock, and classical music, highlighting her versatility and talent. She has been honored with prestigious awards for her significant contributions to music, including Pakistan's highest civilian honors.

Runa Laila is a renowned Bangladeshi playback singer and composer who started her career in the Pakistani film industry in the late 1960s. She was inspired by the legendary Pakistani playback singer Ahmed Rushdi and went on to collaborate with him. With a unique style of singing, Runa Laila has contributed her vocals to many hit films, winning seven Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer. She has also been recognized for her work as a music composer in the industry.

Begum Akhtar, also known as Akhtari Bai Faizabadi, was a renowned Indian singer and actress. She was affectionately called "Mallika-e-Ghazal" (Queen of Ghazals) for her exceptional talent in ghazal, dadra, and thumri genres of Hindustani classical music. Throughout her career, she earned prestigious accolades such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for vocal music in 1972, the Padma Shri, and posthumously the Padma Bhushan Award from the government of India. Begum Akhtar's professional life was marked by her unparalleled contributions to the world of music, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest singers in her genres.

Ustad Sarahang, an acclaimed Afghan ghazal singer and master of Indian classical music, hailed from Kabul, Afghanistan. He earned the title "crown of Afghanistan's music" due to his exceptional talent and dedication to preserving and promoting Afghan musical traditions. Known for his soulful renditions of ghazals, Ustad Sarahang captivated audiences worldwide and earned a prominent place in the music industry. He was revered for his artistry and significant contributions to Afghanistan's cultural heritage.

Iqbal Bano was a celebrated Pakistani singer known for her expertise in ghazal music. She was hailed as Malika-e-Ghazal (The Queen of Ghazal) due to her exceptional talent. Her repertoire included a variety of Urdu ghazal songs, classical thumris, and popular film songs from the 1950s. In 1974, she was honored with the Pride of Performance award for her significant contributions to music. Throughout her professional career, Iqbal Bano was recognized for her mastery of ghazal music and her ability to mesmerize audiences with her soulful performances.

Ahmad Wali is an Afghan Ghazal singer who started his career in the 1970s. He became popular in Afghanistan but had to leave due to political unrest. After moving to Germany, he pursued his music career and performed in Europe and North America. Wali's talent was acknowledged by Radio Kabul director and renowned Afghan singer Ustad Zaland. He gained a following in Afghanistan through appearances on national television and radio shows. Wali organized benefit concerts to assist Afghan refugees and marked Afghanistan's National Independence Day in Washington D.C.

Qamar Gula was a distinguished Afghan Canadian musician celebrated for her significant contributions to Pashto music. She made history as the second female Pashto language singer to perform for Radio Television Afghanistan, following the trailblazing Rukhshana. Over nearly five decades, she became a veteran of the Afghan music industry, earning widespread recognition for her influence and talent. Her legacy has left a lasting impact on the Pashto music scene, inspiring upcoming generations of musicians.

Zahir Howaida, also known as Zahir Huwaida, was a celebrated Afghan Hazara musician with a deep, soulful voice. His career took off in the 1960s, and he captivated audiences with popular songs such as "Kamar Bareek-e-Man" and "Shanidam Az Inja Safar Mikoni," mostly in Persian. Besides his musical talents, Howaida was also recognized as a radio news anchor, poet, and TV actor. Later in life, he chose a quiet existence in Germany, seldom performing until his passing.

Ustad Farida Mahwash, an accomplished Afghan singer known as the voice of Afghanistan, was honored with the title of "Ustad" in 1977 for her mastery in music. She currently resides in Fremont, California, and travels worldwide with her ensemble Voices of Afghanistan, showcasing her talent and representing her country's rich musical heritage. With a career spanning decades, Mahwash has made significant contributions to Afghan music and is celebrated for her captivating performances and unique vocal style.

Rahim Bakhsh, a respected ustad in Hindustani classical music and culture, was a notable figure in Afghanistan and nearby regions. He pioneered a distinctive classical music style in Afghanistan and held a prominent position in the field. Part of the Patiala Gharana of Hindustani classical music, he made substantial contributions to the music landscape. Bakhsh's influence is still recognized, as evidenced by his resting place in Kabul, a site where Sufis come together for prayers.