Imran Shaukat Ali (sometimes spelled Shoukat) is a highly esteemed Qawwali artist, who has been mesmerizing audiences with his soulful performances for the past six years. Born in the quaint town of Ksowal, Ali comes from a family of renowned Qawwals. He is the nephew of Ashiq Ali Multani and Ustad Mubarik Ali Khan Sb, both of whom were stalwarts of the genre.
A Journey of Musical Excellence
Under the tutelage of Ustad Mubarik Ali Khan Sb, Imran Shaukat Ali received extensive classical training, which helped him perfect his vocal prowess. He started his career as a Neat Khwan, a term used to describe a singer who recites naats in praise of the Prophet Muhammad. However, his passion for Qawwali soon took over, and he began performing with his Qawali party, showcasing his exceptional talent to the world.
A Multifaceted Musician
Imran Shaukat Ali is not just a Qawwali maestro, but also an accomplished Ghazal singer. He possesses a unique ability to weave complex melodies with his powerful vocals, captivating his audience with every note. His versatility as a musician has earned him critical acclaim and a legion of fans across the country.
A Riveting Performance on “Rivayat”
Imran Shaukat Ali’s extraordinary talent was further highlighted in the “Rivayat” album produced by the renowned guitarist Mekaal Hasan. “Rivayat” is a series of songs that present traditional and local talent from diverse regions of Pakistan. The aim of the series is to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan’s working-class musicians, whose families have kept the roots-based music tradition alive for generations.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.