Mekaal Hasan Band (MHB) is one of the few acts from the 2000s that remains at the top of their game. With three acclaimed albums and an evolving lineup, MHB continues to grow and deliver timeless music.

Each album features kalaams but is always adapted to suit the modern listener, ensuring that you won’t find yourself thinking: “this never ends.” MHB is not just a studio act; they are a thrilling live act. Every performance by the band typically elicts thunderous applause. Mekaal Hasan, the band’s namesake, has enormous respect for eastern musicians, which is why you will always find him championing Ahsan Pappu, a flautist for MHB.

Over the years, we’ve seen MHB feature various drummers and singers on their records. But like so many artists from east to west, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan holds special significance for Mekaal Hasan and Pappu (sahab), with the latter having had the privilege of playing with the late qawwal.

While Mekaal Hasan has produced a documentary on the legendary qawwal out of his own pocket, he has also paid tribute to the iconic qawwal with a magnificent tribute show in Lahore on August 17th, a day after the death anniversary of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Fans are rejoicing over the release of Chain of Light, a new album by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Produced by Michael Brook and released by Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records, the album arrives after more than three decades.

Mekaal Hasan confirmed to Instep that a Karachi tribute show will honor the late qawwal with a concert featuring material from Night Song.

In collaboration with District 19, the MHB tribute show to NFAK will be held at the Karachi Film School on November 9th. The performance is not off-the-cuff; each qawwali from Night Song that will be presented as an adaptation has been rehearsed for months, prominsing a spectacular experience for the audience. Following the Karachi show, Mekaal Hasan will also perform a tribute show in Lahore on November 25th and at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, with producer Michael Brook attending. Keep an eye out for tickets to this very special Karachi show.