A LEGENDARY Pakistani singer who has recorded more than 50,000 songs is set to perform in Blackburn for the first time in 25 years.

Ataullah Khan Esakhelvi will be at King George’s Hall on January 30 as part of a short UK-wide tour.

Ataullah Khan, 70, is one of the world’s foremost Ghazal (folk) singers and has performed in front of huge crowds at some of the most famous venues in the world.

He began singing at an early age and his fame spread in the late seventies and early eighties after a series of hit albums. He performed in the UK in 1980 and his albums were then released on various labels across the world.

Many of his songs reached out to a younger audience at the time with Ataullah Khan detailing his own personal experiences of ‘life and love’.

The government of Pakistan cemented his almost iconic status when he was presented with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz award in 2019 - one of the highest honours which can be bestowed on a civilian in the country.

Ataullah Khan is believed to have recorded more than 50,000 songs in seven languages and also holds the record for the most studio albums. In 1994 he was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest number of audio albums at the time.

In a message to fans ahead of the Blackburn concert he said: “Thanks to all the love from the fans. I am God-willing coming to Blackburn on Sunday, January 30, and I hope to see you there.”

Like many famous faces in the sub-continent he has quashed rumours of his death which tend to surface from time to time.

Last September he explained to fans: “Today, again false news is circulating about me.”

Standard seats are priced at £35 and VIP meet and greet is being offered at £100.

For further information call 07444 543179.