Asif Ali Santoo Khan was born in 1973 as the youngest son of Manzoor Hussain, a famous vocalist from a prominent Pakistani musical family. His musical lineage dates back more than 350 years. Mian Maula Baksh, his great-grandfather, was one of the most renowned classical singers of the Indian subcontinent and started his qawwali (Sufi music) group over eighty years ago.
His grandfather, Santoo Khan, moved the family to Pakistan in 1947, residing in Lahore following the split. Here, the group, known at the time as Santoo Khan Qawwal, rose to prominence due to its extensive repertoire of classical, spiritual (Sufi), and popular songs, as well as its exceptional mastery of Urdu, Persian, and Punjabi. The ensemble was one of the first to record qawwali music, and their recordings were frequently broadcast on All Pakistan Radio.
Early Life and Career of Asif Ali Santoo Khan
If the late great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was known as “the emperor of qawwali,” then Asif, previously recognized as one of the maestro’s finest students, has unquestionably become the music’s ruling prince. Since Nusrat died in 1997, Asif has performed in tribute concerts and recorded albums in his teacher’s honor, but he has established his style and personality. While maintaining accurate to the glorious traditions of the devotional Sufi music known as Qawwali, Asif is enormously popular in his native Pakistan and a formidable force in the global arena. His music can range from peaceful and trance-inducing to thrilling. Hearing his voice soar above the call-and-response choruses, rhythmic hand claps, percussion, and harmonium of his accompanying musicians are uplifting, regardless of one’s Sufi beliefs.
In 1988, Ustad Santoo Khan passed away at the age of 120. This was a tragic event. When Asif made the next step toward becoming Ustad Nusrat Fateh Khan’s student, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan again paid his respects by paying a visit. As a result of his teacher’s respect for his lineage and Asif Ali’s great desire to study extreme classical music, Asif Ali was placed in a tight relationship with his master.
In addition to receiving instruction from Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Santoo is also under the tutelage of his father, Manzoor Hussain. The latter has studied linguistics in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Punjabi, in addition to Islamic law and Hadeeth Shareef (the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH), as well as the incorporation and transmission of factual knowledge into Qawwali. This singular fusion sets Santoo apart from other artists in his field in a meaningful way.
Lesser known Facts about Asif Ali Santoo Khan
Asif Ali Santoo Khan is an excellent catch for live concerts, weddings, and other events to have as a caller. He is an expert in the musical spells that, when cast, will revitalize the gathering by infusing it with his songs’ joyous and pulsating tunes. To elaborate further on his performances, we would say he is very composed.
Because they are so taken in by it, a few of them are persuaded to the point where they begin dancing to his music on stage. This happens because they are so taken in by it. Throughout the performance, the musicians of Asif Ali Santoo Khan allowed the dancers plenty of room to let loose and dance their hearts out, and they encouraged them by playing rhythms that varied in speed and cadence.
Awards and Achievements of Asif Ali Santoo Khan
Only citizens or permanent residents of Pakistan are eligible to receive Pakistan’s top national literary honor, the Pride of Performance Award. Nevertheless, it is available to recipients not just from Pakistan but also from other nations so long as they have made substantial contributions to the literary canon of Pakistan.
Best songs of Asif Ali Santoo Khan
Here is the list of his songs From his Albums (Year-wise):
- 2021
Dum Mast Qalandar
Mashooq Dokhay Baaz
- 2020
Pa Muhabbat
Sada Yaar Saraiki
Pindiwal Mashoor
Dhola Nawab
Jehray Rang Da Pawe Chola
Yo Chagha Sha
Lar Lagian Di
- 2018
Tun Hai Yar Bewafa
- 2015
Mere Guru Ne Baat
- 2010
Yaadan Vichre Sajan
Mera Piya Ghar Aaya
- 2001
Salaam Aakhri Hai
Mein Tenu Vaikhi Jawan
Mein Peene Laga
Mil Ke Bichre Jo Tum
How To Book Asif Ali Santoo Khan For Events?
Asif Ali Santoo is available for Evens and Concerts and is very easy to be approached and Booked for Events with Fankar Online.
How much does Asif Ali Santoo charge for a show?
Charges of artist for event, show or concert changes time to time and depends on few factors like how much traveling is require, How they will travel, Stay and Performance Fee. For Exact Charges Feel free to Contact Us
