Member of Canadian Parliament (MP) Ruby Sahota appreciated Pakistan’s classical singer Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan, who performed live along with his sons Faizan Ali Khan and Nadir Ali Khan during the Mausiqi Tour – organized by Waseem Abbas of the Music Waves International.
On the occasion, Ruby Sahota issued appreciation certificates from the House of Commons to Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan, Faizan Ali Khan, Nadir Ali Khan and other team members for the classical music event in Canada. She appreciated Pakistan’s classical singer who informed the Canadian lawmaker about history of the classical singing.
“Today I have [had] the great pleasure and honor of having Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan… Got to hear some wonderful music … and have some great conversations about the roots of music, about qawwali, its origins, and got to learn so much,” Ruby Sahota said in a video message. Speaking on the occasion, Ustad Shafqat thanked her for the hospitality and said, “It is a great honor for me that you are presenting this certificate.”
“I cannot forget your respect towards music and you have given such respect to us, so God bless you for this,” he said. In an earlier statement, Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan said that the Montreal concert was more than just a performance – it was an immersive experience for music lovers. He described the event as a rare opportunity, not only to enjoy live classical music but also to gain deeper understanding of the rich traditions of South Asian classical genres.
He and his sons, Faizan Ali Khan and Nadir Ali Khan, took the audience on a journey through the nuances of classical forms like Kafi and Heer, explaining their origins and distinct characteristics. Kafi and Heer, as Ustad Shafqat explained, are deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural traditions of the South Asian regions. These forms, often mistaken for folk or popular music, carry layers of historical and emotional depth.
Ustad Shafqat contrasted them with modern genres like pop and rap, explained the unique storytelling elements, rhythmic complexity, and emotional intensity of these classical forms. More modern forms of music often overshadow classical music, Ustad Shafqat explained, but this form of music offers an unparalleled depth of experience. “It is not just about the melodies but also about connecting with centuries-old traditions and the emotions they evoke.”
He described the entire performance as a “unique musical journey”, where the audience could not only listen but also learn and engage with the essence of classical music. In a statement, Music Waves International CEO Waseem Abbas thanked MP Ruby Sahota and the Canadian government for encouraging local and foreign artists, and members of the entertainment industry. “We will bring more first-rate artists to Canada for wonderful audience that always supports and appreciates our events with their participation,” he said.
In his Mausiqi Tour, Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan performed live along with Faizan Ali Khan and Nadir Ali Khan and members of his band. It is pertinent to mention here that Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan, winner of the prestigious Amir Khusro Award, is son of Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, the legendary classical singer of the Sham Chaurasia Gharana – the custodian of 400-year-old-legacy of the classical music.