The 78th birth anniversary of qawwali legend Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was observed here with reverence. His nephew and foremost disciple, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, attended the event with his son, Shahzaman Fateh Ali Khan.
Members of the Pakistani and Indian diaspora attended the gathering in the Texas city, among them a large number from the Sikh community. Prominent figures from various walks of life were also present to honour Nusrat's extraordinary contribution to music.
A question-and-answer session was a highlight of the evening. Participants from both communities asked Rahat about music, qawwali, Pakistan-India relations and his uncle's artistic legacy.
"War is not the solution to any problem. We all want peace, love and harmony, and that is our message," Rahat said.
He added that music was not bound by borders or geography and could not be divided along lines of religion, language or nationality. The singer said the qawwali tradition had, for centuries, bound people together through love and spiritual connection.
He described his mission as spreading peace, tolerance and brotherhood around the world through his music. Speaking to the audience, he said that "not one night, but many nights" would not be enough to describe Nusrat's greatness and personality.
Rahat noted that Nusrat taught him a vital life lesson: respect for elders and senior artists, a principle he is now passing on to the next generation. Shahzaman, representing the family's new generation of musicians, also drew attention at the event.
Many attendees remarked on echoes of Nusrat in his voice and style. Responding with humility, Shahzaman said he did not consider himself equal to even "the dust" of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, but added that it was a great honour if listeners heard a glimpse of the maestro in his voice.
He emphasized his commitment to carrying forward the family's 300-year-old musical tradition. During the event, father and son performed in Nusrat's memory.
At the audience's special request, they sang the last sehra recorded by Nusrat, drawing warm applause. National promoters Aamir Makhani and Rehan Siddiqui were among the guests.
A birthday cake was cut in Nusrat's honour, and Rahat fed cake to guests with his own hands. Rahat is currently in North America for a concert tour across US and Canadian cities.