Zayn Malik highlights Nusrat influence on global music

British singer Zayn Malik has revealed a unique musical connection linking himself and late American artist Jeff Buckley through their shared admiration for legendary Pakistani musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Speaking in a recent street interview, Malik explained that Buckley was “madly inspired” by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s work, crediting the qawwali pioneer for influencing Buckley’s distinctive vocal techniques. He noted that Buckley frequently listened to Nusrat’s music, which shaped his expressive vocal runs and improvisational style.

Buckley, best known for his rendition of “Hallelujah,” had long been associated with diverse musical influences. Archival performances also show him covering Nusrat’s famous qawwali “Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai” during live shows in New York in the early 1990s, underscoring the cross-cultural impact of Nusrat’s music.

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Malik also shared that he has paid tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in his upcoming album. The singer revealed that one of the tracks is titled “Nusrat,” directly honoring the legendary artist’s influence on his own musical journey.

The song will be featured on Malik’s forthcoming album Konnakol, scheduled for release on April 17. Explaining the album’s title, Malik said “konnakol” refers to a South Asian vocal percussion technique, where rhythmic sounds are produced using the voice.

The revelation highlights the lasting global influence of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, whose work continues to inspire artists across genres and generations. From qawwali to contemporary pop and alternative music, his legacy remains a powerful bridge between Eastern and Western musical traditions.

Malik’s comments have sparked renewed appreciation for Nusrat’s contribution to global music culture.

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