Coke Studio Season 10 is up and running! With the likes of Shafqat Amanat Ali and Momina Mustehsan, the new season promises to be another treat for music lovers across the globe. Coke Studio’s tagline ‘Sound of the Nation’ has come to describe the biggest musical initiatives, bringing together unique cultural experiences and genres, including but not limited to folk, sufi, rock, pop and rap music.
Here are the season’s big highlights so far:
1. Jaan-E-Bahaaran - Tribute to Master Inayat Hussain Feat. Ali Zafar
In Episode 2, Shuja Haider returns with Jaan-E-Bahaaran, a tribute to the legendary music director Master Inayat Hussain, featuring Ali Zafar. Though the track got mixed reviews, it has already hit half a million views in less than 24 hours. One of the most acclaimed masterpieces of all time, the composition has been a favourite for people across classes and age groups. Ali Zafar takes the song through a journey calling it ‘an experiment’ in the making of the video.
Though the song has been sung by the likes of Salim Raza and Ghulam Ali in the past, this version of the song with background harmonies blended with new age composition, makes it a treat for the music lovers.
2. Sayonee - Junoon Feat. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Ali Noor
With the exemplary Sufi rock sound, the depth of Ali Noor’s voice juxtaposed with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s classically-nurtured, incredible range makes for a behemoth line-up that is bespeckled with nostalgia. Complete with the iconic bassline that defined a generation of Pakistani music, the song is given a new life with the decadence of the rubab, magical inserts of the flute and a hard-hitting percussive body. The makers of the version say that the song derails from the conventional qawwali style and is a fusion of eastern and western style of music.
The song is a journey; from a state of confusion to celebration, and the new verse of the already famous song looks to be hitting close to a million views now.
3. Muntazir - Momina Mustehsan and Danyal Zafar
Most viewed song of this season which has already crossed 3 million views features Afreen artist Momina and Danyal Zafar, (yes, brother of the versatile, Ali Zafar). Muntazir (meaning waiting for) is no doubt one of the most loved songs so far of this season. The on-screen chemistry between the singers and the beautiful composition by Strings just makes the arrangement look phenomenal. Danyal’s presence, ahead of many other talented folks in the Pakistan music industry, was questioned by the music lovers. But it seems Momina’s charisma is already putting music enthusiasts in ‘Play. Listen. Replay’ mode!
4. Allahu Akbar - Ahmed Jehanzeb and Shafqat Ali Khan
My pick of the season so far is Allahu Akbar. Ahmed Jehanzeb always has surprises up his sleeve and he does it again with this track! Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, who needs no introduction, captivates us once again with his scintillating voice. Shuja Haider, the composer of the song speaks about Allahu Akbar’s message.
The objective of the song is to portray a message that, every thing in the universe is linked to a supreme power, the creator.Shuja Haider
5. Ranjhish Hi Sahi - Ali Sethi
Ranjhish Hi Sahi, Dil Hi Dukhane Ke Liye Aa (Meaning: If it is grief then so be it, come to break my heart again). Music lovers are loving this track with lyrics penned by Ahmed Faraz and ghazalified by Mehdi Hassan.
Ali Sethi who has been an accomplished artiste in Pakistan’s music industry, along with Strings bring back this great composition in yet another new form. The song will set the mood just right when you are in a tranquil phase and are looking for soothing strings to please your ears.
Other songs from the season Faasle, Tinak Dhin, Faasle and Chaa Rahi Kaali Ghata; although these have not impressed the viewers much but that doesn’t keep them away from being added to the playlists.
Coke Studio is considered to have brought a revolution in the Pakistani music industry when it was launched back in 2008, and it has provided a platform to many aspiring talented artists born in the ‘land of sufi music’. With the likes of Strings, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Javed Bashir, Salman Ahmed already up in the first 2 episodes, music lovers would be expecting some great musical compositions in the run-up to the majestic season finale.
Will the 10th anniversary turn out to be the best season ever? That’s the question being asked by fans. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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