Oxford's honorary degree is recognition of Pakistani music, says Rahat

As the Oxford University is set to award honorary degree to renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the classical vocalist has dedicated the honor to his family.

Talking to reporters at the Karachi Press Club following the day after the Oxford University announced conferring an honorary degree on him, Khan said this honor is actually the recognition of Pakistani music and culture.

The artist extended gratitude to the Oxford University and said that he is very much optimistic about the future of Pakistani music and Qawwali.

“I have some 1,200 students who are learning Qawwali,” Khan continued.

“I have performed in every part of the world and sung for film industries of different countries. But everyone knows that Pakistan is my first priority. Whatever I am today is because of this country and its people. Wherever in the world, I am invited to perform it’s in fact the recognition of Pakistani music and its culture,” he said.

Rahat will be awarded the honorary degree in June this year.

According to Oxford University, “Born into a family whose name has become synonymous with South Asian musical tradition, he began formal training at the age of seven and has since released more than fifty albums, performed in numerous high-profile concerts across the world, and amassed a global following, achieving over one billion views online.”