Chain of Light a ‘lost album’ by the legendary Qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is set to be released.

The project is a collaboration between Pakistan-based Saiyna Bashir Studios, who have been working on a documentary biopic on the music maestro titled ‘Ustad’, and Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records, who produced the album in 1990.

The British Council has supported the project, with launch events taking place over the last month in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Manchester, Birmingham, Paris and ending tonight in London on the lead up to the official album release tomorrow.

The ‘lost album’ was discovered in the tape archives of Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records, the label that signed Khan in 1989 and released a series of albums with him throughout the 1990s. 

The launch of the album is being supported in part by the British Council.

James Hampson, Country Director Pakistan at the British Council in Pakistan said: “The cultural connections between the UK and Pakistan run deep. That’s why we’re proud to support Chain of Light, sharing in the excitement which this new music from Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is creating across the world. 

"His generational talent, the partnership with Real World Records which sits at the heart of this story, and the amazing work of Sainya Bashir Studios in the development of the documentary all make for a potent and brilliant mix.”

Amanda Jones, Label Manager at Real World Records said: “At Real World Records we have been honoured and excited to be able to present this previously unheard recording by the great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. To work with the British Council on celebrating and promoting this release has been absolutely fundamental to the success of the project. 

"It has been a wonderful opportunity for us to find such a positive partnership with the team from the British Council - their commitment and professionalism and their enthusiasm has been quite inspirational. They picked up on the story of Chain Of Light and embraced it with passion.”

Saiyna Bashir, Producer of Ustad the Film said: “Ustad, a biopic on Nusrat Fateh Ai Khan, offers an intimate look into his illustrious but ephemeral life and career. Through interviews, heartfelt performances, and rare, unseen archival footage, we hope to tell the story of the musical legend. 

"We are grateful for the support we have received from the British Council that has enabled us to promote Real World Records Chain of Light worldwide while making sure that his voice reaches millions once again.”

Bobby Friction, BBC Radio Asian Network DJ and host of the event celebrating the album launch in London added: "Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan like all the greatest artists wasn't just gifted with a generational talent, he was also a conduit between magic and reality, a portal made of flesh and blood who could open the doors of the universe with the otherworldly powers of his voice. 
"My life’s work around South Asian music wouldn't have been possible without hearing his voice captivate me as a teenager."

The new album of unheard recordings by the Pakistan musical icon Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan will be released on 20 September 2024, 34 years after they were recorded and the ‘Ustad’ documentary is prepared for release in late 2025.