Ustad Nusrat echoes through Wembley
Diljit Dosanjh pays tribute to Qawwali legend during ‘Aura World Tour’
Indian Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh paid tribute to legendary Pakistani Qawwali singer Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan during his historic performance at London's Wembley Stadium, performing the celebrated composition 'Sanson Ki Mala Pe' before a large audience.
Dosanjh became the first Punjabi singer to headline Wembley Stadium, performing for around 90,000 people as part of his Aura World Tour, according to posts shared by his team on Instagram. The performance turned the iconic venue into a celebration of Punjabi music and legacy.
During the concert, Dosanjh performed 'Sanson Ki Mala Pe', a composition associated with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Fans waved lights and sang along as he delivered the rendition, creating an emotional atmosphere at the landmark venue.
The tribute drew appreciation from audiences and social media users, with many viewing the performance as a celebration of South Asian music that transcends borders. Speaking during a live session on social media, Dosanjh said Nusrat was a great artist and that singing his song was not easy for anyone.
He said he wanted to try to pay tribute to the legendary qawwal and apologised for any mistakes he may have made. He added that the performance came purely from his love and admiration for Nusrat, acknowledging that singing the qawwal's melodies was incredibly difficult.
The Wembley performance added another international milestone to Dosanjh's career. In 2023, he became the first Punjabi artist to perform at Coachella, while in June 2024 he made his debut on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'.
He later became the first South Asian artist to appear on the cover of Billboard magazine. At 42, Dosanjh has gained international recognition by blending Punjabi folk music with contemporary hip-hop and pop influences.
Wembley Stadium has previously hosted major international artists including Michael Jackson, Queen, Madonna, David Bowie and U2. Dosanjh has also previously referenced Pakistan on a major stage, performing with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir during a London concert. The two later appeared together in 'Sardaar Ji 3', marking a notable cross-border collaboration in Punjabi cinema.