Former vocalist of Fuzon, Shafqat Amanat Ali was recently featured in a musical tribute to India’s founder Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary celebrations on October 2. The singer has performed the Indian leader’s favorite hymn Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye.
According to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the performance is a part of the MEA’s commemorative efforts to honour the leader on Gandhi Jayanti with a five minute mash-up video featuring a variety of voices and tunes from across the world. The Indian missions and embassies abroad approached these artists for the said collaboration.
Amanat’s solo version of the tune, released by the High Commission of India, was praised by Bollywood composer and singer Vishal Dadlani. The musician took to twitter and applauded the endeavour. “My friend @ShafqatAmanatA sings #VaishnavaJan , Gandhiji’s favourite bhajan, and proves pretty conclusively, as he always does, that music is both, “ibaadat” and “bhakti” together! [sic]†he wrote.
My friend @ShafqatAmanatA sings #VaishnavaJan , Gandhiji's favourite bhajan, and proves pretty conclusively, as he always does, that music is both, "ibaadat" and "bhakti" together! https://t.co/SklUXzF11x
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) October 3, 2018
Shafqat Amanat Ali’s solo version of the hymn
The Khamaj singer received the compliment with humility and wished that the attempt brings harmony for both the nations. “I haven’t heard a more beautiful description of this rendition.. Means a lot coming from you @VishalDadlani and thank you for always being so generous with your appreciation brother! Hope this initiates efforts for peace & hope to see you soon in Lahore,†he tweeted.
I haven’t heard a more beautiful description of this rendition.. Means a lot coming from you @VishalDadlani and thank you for always being so generous with your appreciation brother! Hope this initiates efforts for peace & hope to see you soon in Lahore https://t.co/NCl7dN9jml
— Shafqat Amanat Ali (@ShafqatAmanatA) October 3, 2018
The song features singers from all the countries recognised by the United Nations. Here’s the full version:
