Zayn Malik, former member of one direction has revealed that song “Nusrat” in his new album, Konnakol, is a tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The album is set to be released on April 17, and features 15 tracks.
Like all Pakistani’s Zayn has also been admiring Nusrat Sahab for his magnificent Qawaalis and hints of Sufism in his music. It would be a breath of fresh air to see rich elements of qawaalis to be introduced in indie music.
But you may be wondering why the sudden change, or why would he include a Qawalli inspired song. Actually the album is titled Konnakol, which refers to a South Indian vocal technique that uses rhythmic syllables to mimic percussion. So the whole album is a tribute to the deep rich musical culture of South Asia.
The albums visuals are also a tribute to South Asia, the album cover is depicting Malik alongside a snow leopard, which could be a hint at his desi roots. Snow is leopard is an animal associated with South Asian regions, including Pakistan.
Zayn also mentioned that he admired how Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sounded during live performances and how Jeff Buckley was inspired by Nusrat Sahab and how he loved listening to Pakistani music.
This would not be the first time that the One direction member has shown keen interest in Pakistani music. He released a song in Urdu, called Flower.
He also collaborated with a famous Pakistani band called AUR and featured in their worldwide famous song “Tu hai Kahan”
People On X are over joyed at this desi surprise that Malik have incorporated in his music. The fan base of Nusrat Sahab is wide and extends beyond just Pakistan. If there is one thing that bonds the differences between Indians and Pakistani is Qawallis of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
