Iconic Pakistani singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan received an honorary degree from the world-renowned Oxford University. The prestigious ceremony took place in Oxford. An international music star, Qawwali singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was presented with the degree of Doctor of Music, as announced by the university previously.
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan said: “I am honoured to be accepting this degree from Oxford University, a world famous educational institution. This is a very special day for my family and I, but also for my fans, who have shared this journey with me. To be presented with this honour is a massive achievement and I am happy that my music has allowed me to reach such incredible heights.”
On receiving his honorary doctorate, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan performed at Oxford Town Hal on Thursday 27th June. The special evening marked the occasion with a stellar performance of Qawwalis by Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, as well as exploring his family legacy and looking back at his career to date. All profits generated from the event were used to enhance the Faculty of Music’s Sounds of South Asia series.
Oxford University have previously recognised the work of Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan by naming one of their prestigious music halls after the maestro. He carries the torch for a family which has a rich cultural history in music, a heritage which includes over 600 years in Sufi and Qawwali music folklore, initially made famous in modern pop culture but Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the uncle of Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. In recent times Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has won numerous globally recognised awards, performed for the British royal family at Buckingham Palace, performed at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, and amassed over 1 billion views on his music videos.
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s latest recognition will be one of his most distinguished to date.
