Tag: Coke Studio 2020

  • ‘Ao Ehad Karain’: Coke Studio releases ‘message of hope’ for Pakistan Day

    ‘Ao Ehad Karain’: Coke Studio releases ‘message of hope’ for Pakistan Day

    To commemorate Pakistan Resolution Day, Coke Studio has released a new track Ao Ehad Karain, which presents a concept of peace, hope and celebrates the young and emerging talent of the country.

    The track has been produced by Ali Hamza and features a diverse set of musicians from different genres including the Army Brass Band of Pakistan to reinvent the legendary national songs of Pakistan.

    “It’s a grand multi-city, multi-producer, 75 artists on board kind of a production and it’s been a 4-month long labour of love putting it together,” says Hamza.

    According to a press release, the song has been “envisioned in collaboration with Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and begins on an introspective note with Wattan ki Mitti, Gawah Rehna in the voices of Saadat Shafqat, son of legendary singer Shafqat Amanat Ali, and Zaw Ali, daughter of iconic singer Sajjad Ali.”

    These powerful verses are followed by a unique recitation of Sir Allama Iqbal’s poetry done by the veteran artist, Ali Hamza, who provides gravitas to the narration.

    Talking about the track Hamza, in a statement, said: “Ao Ehad Karain is a journey through time and emotion. It starts introspectively, looking back in time to when the Pakistan Resolution was passed on March 23, 1940.”

    “It then moves through ups and downs, like history has and life does: questions, conflicts, resolutions, awakening, rejuvenation and then celebrates a new beginning at the turn of a new decade – 2021,” adds the singer.

    Following Hamza’s recitation, the track moves to the Young Stunners, who give yet another out-of-the-box performance in the words of Sir Allama Iqbal. The Young Stunners recently also received praise for their performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) anthem Groove Mera.

    Another unique feature in the track is the introduction of the iconic Army Brass Band, which has been the flag bearer of a long-standing tradition in Pakistani culture.

    “They have energized this nation for decades with reverberating performances of national songs of Pakistan,” says the press release while talking about the band.

    Meanwhile, the choir is provided by Farwa Batool, Rida Batool, Nabiha Saleem, and Zahab Hussain. Ao Ehad Karain also features Shamu Bai & Vishnu – sibling duo from Sindh and Kashif Din, a young singer from Gilgit-Baltistan.

    Listen to it here:

  • CS2020 Episode 3 is all about mysticism and spirituality

    CS2020 Episode 3 is all about mysticism and spirituality

    Coke Studio 2020 unveiled their third episode with three powerful songs featuring veterans Umair Jaswal and Sanam Marvi and budding artists Sehar Gul Khan and Zara Madani.

    The first song of this episode is a powerful solo performance by Sehar Gul, written and composed by lyricist Asim Raza. Ishq da Kukkar has a spiritual message with a prayer of love towards God. The song is an early morning call to prayer being given by a bird deeply in love with the Almighty and in profound devotion, it beckons the believer to come to say a loving prayer alongside.

    Speaking about how much the song touched her, Sehar said, “As I sang the song, with each verse, I felt like I was being transported, elevated into a completely different world. I’ve tried my best to share that experience through the song.”

    Pardesiya, the second song of this episode is an eastern classical-inspired raga rock track performed by classically trained singer Zara Madani. The song is about one’s search for God and the longing for peace which one prays to the Almighty for in times of distress.

    Explaining the concept of the song, Zara said: “In life, as humans, we are constantly in search of something. We await the arrival of something bigger, some form of an answer. This thirst for an answer or an impending destination is common to us all.”

    This experimental song has a bluesy feel and has been sung in Raag Bhimpalasi in madh laya of eastern classical music. Raag Bhimpalasi has originated from thaat Kafi and is considered to be the Shanti Rasa (a conscious cultivation of inner balance, equilibrium, wisdom, and serenity) of Indian classical music.

    The third song for the episode, Har Funn Maula, has been written by Shuja Haider and is a Sufi dhamaal power track with drums giving it a rock element. Har Funn Maula has been performed by Umair Jaswal and Sanam Marvi. Despite the upbeat music, this song curiously touches upon the chords of one’s soul with its spiritual message. It is man’s quest to make him better at everything he does, it is his prayer and longing for perfection.

    While the song starts off in Jaswal’s rock musician voice, it borrows elements from the dhamaal, a devotional dance/music practice that honours qalandars or Sufi saints bringing in a Sufic flair to the message.

    Talking about the song, Marvi said, “When you set foot on the first step of love, without even realising it, you take a step in the direction of Ishq-e-Haqqiqi (love for God Almighty). Somewhere along the way, you feel the pain of heartbreak, loss and you realise that only prayer can give you a sense of peace and calm.”

    Coke Studio 2020 also marks the return of the house-band, with Asad Ahmed on the electric guitar, Kamran ‘Mannu’ Zafar on bass, Babar Khanna on eastern percussions, Shehroze Hussain on the sitar, Nawazish Nasri on rabab, and Abier ‘Veeru’ Shaan on percussions. On backing vocals, this season will feature Nimra Rafiq, Wajiha Naqvi, Kumail Jaffery, Shahab Hussain, and Zara Madani.

    Given the new format and advantages of technology, this season has also collaborated with international musicians from across the world including Turkey, Nepal, Lebanon and Serbia. In fact, Turkish artist, Volkan Öktem, has also joined the house-band this season featuring on the drums.

  • Daler Mehndi praises Ali Pervez, Meesha Shafi’s ‘Gal Sunn’

    Looks like it’s a good day for Meesha Shafi. After Zoheb Hassan thanked her for paying a beautiful tribute to his late sister Nazia Hassan, Daler Mehndi has praised her and Ali Pervez’s song Gal Sunn from Coke Studio 2020.

    The celebrated Indian singer, in a heartfelt video message, praised the singers performance.

    “I am ecstatic! Ali Pervez Mehdi has sung an amazing track in Coke Studio. Like Ali, Meesha Shafi has done a brilliant job with Gal Sunn as well,” said Mehndi. “I’ve been waiting for years now for Ali to come out with a song in the music industry. We were always in awe of his father, Ustad Pervez Mehdi and just like me, I’m sure other fans of Ali’s father must be happy today to see how well his son is carrying his name forward. I wish Pervez Sahab was alive today to see his son’s success.”

    Mehndi’s video was shared by Ali on social media. Thanking the veteran musician, Mehdi said: “Such an honour Daler Mehndi pa ji! You are family to us! Can’t thank enough for your love and support stay blessed always! Love you!”

    Meanwhile, Meesha said that she felt extremely “honoured and humbled” with the praises.

    Gal Sunn, which has over 3 million views on YouTube is a catchy, upbeat folk song with a contemporary funk element. According to a press release, the song represents the longing between lovers.

    Talking about the song, Ali had said: “In these times, going through [Covid-19], I wanted people to listen to something positive and fun. That is why I created this song. I dance to it and I want everyone else to dance to it too!”

     

  • RFAK steals the second episode of CS2020 with ‘Dil Tarpe’

    RFAK steals the second episode of CS2020 with ‘Dil Tarpe’

    With the first episode of Coke Studio 2020 well-received by both critics and the public alike, Coke Studio dropped Episode 2 on Friday featuring performances by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Meesha Shafi and Ali Pervez Mehdi among others.

    RFAK joined hands with classical singer Zara Madani to perform a beautiful tarana Dil Tarpe, bringing a fusion and Qawwali-like flavour to the track.

    In the song, the protagonist is exhibiting distress by emotionally imploring their beloved to have mercy on the heart; longing for the comfort and peace of their beloved’s company.

    Talking about the song, Zara said, “This song is about longing with a very special spiritual connotation; a conversation taking place between a person and their inner self where one pleads for help from the Almighty.”

    Excited about the new collaboration, Khan said, “I don’t think anyone has ever experimented with a tarana the way that we have tried to in this season.”

    In the second song of the episode, newcomer Wajiha Naqvi debuted with a solo performance titled Yaqeen. The song has been written and composed by the artist herself. Carrying a modern pop-rock style, the song has pronounced elements of Indian classical instruments, thus classifying as raga rock, a popular musical genre from the 60s.

    With its powerful lyrics, Yaqeen tells the story of a woman showing resilience and self-reliance in the journey of life. Speaking about the song, Naqvi said: “If men and women are not encouraged or taught to rely on themselves or have faith in themselves, this usually leads them not really knowing who they are and what they are truly capable of. If each person is given the opportunity to explore and discover his/her own self and true potential, they can contribute to society in a more informed manner.”

    Lastly, Ali Pervez Mehdi and Meesha Shafi came together for a catchy Punjabi folk song Gal Sunn. With a contemporary funk element, the song represents the longing between lovers. The rhythm instruments playing interlocking grooves create a toe-tapping and danceable feel.

    “In these times, going through [Covid-19], I wanted people to listen to something positive and fun. That is why I created this song,” said Mehdi, adding that the song gave him hope.

    “I dance to it and I want everyone else to dance to it too!,” he added.

    Meesha, while talking about the song said: “This song has a lovely flirtatious vibe. It is a beautiful composition. Ali has a beautiful voice and his songwriting is really really catchy.”

    Along with a groovy bass line, Serbian brass players have also been incorporated playing the trumpet, tenor saxophone and trombone enhancing the funk feel to this desi melody.

    Produced by Rohail Hyatt, CS2020 started on December 4 and will have only 12 songs, featuring 13 artists.

  • Coke Studio 2020 premieres with a powerful all-female anthem

    Coke Studio 2020 premieres with a powerful all-female anthem

    The premier episode of Coke Studio 2020 consisted of three original tracks featuring a lineup of emerging artists including Mehdi Maloof, Seher Gul and Wajiha Naqvi, along with industry veterans Meesha Shafi, Fariha Pervez, Ali Noor, Sanam Marvi and Zara Madani.

    According to the press release, producer Rohail Hyatt has ensured that not only will this be a season featuring purely original songs, but the focus for this year has also been on content and social messaging which includes an all-female anthem called Na Tutteya Ve with veteran female vocalists including Sanam Marvi and Meesha Shafi.

    In addition to this, CS debutant Mehdi performed Dil Khirki, a song written and composed by the emerging Indie artist. According to the singer, the song, with its typical college sing-along feel, is about “opening your heart to the world regardless of life’s circumstances”.

    “In accepting one’s circumstances, one is able to submit to fate which ultimately results in a greater understanding of both life, and the self,” said Mehdi.

    In the third song of the episode Jaag Rahi, Fariha sings about suffering sleepless nights, longing to be united with her Beloved (Almighty). Ali’s voice responds to this longing by explaining that he suffers the same predicament and that she is not forgotten. The song is an interesting and contemporary take on the classical thumri.

    The 13th edition of Coke Studio or CS2020 will only have 12 songs this year featuring 13 artists and international musicians.

  • Coke Studio 13 to include an all-female anthem, international musicians

    Coke Studio 13 to include an all-female anthem, international musicians

    Coke Studio Pakistan has revealed the official artist lineup for the thirteenth season, confirming the arrival of Coke Studio 2020.

    According to a press release, the upcoming season will be shorter with only 12 songs. The reason for a shorter season is the nation-wide lockdown and restrictions due to COVID-19 this past year.

    CS2020 is produced by Rohail Hyatt and was administered under careful management and maintenance of COVID-19 SOPs which resulted in both singers and musicians being recorded separately. Technology was used to make communication easy for the artists, resulting in an errorless outcome.

    The teaser of every artist was uploaded on Coke Studio’s official YouTube Channel.

    The season includes 12 new songs featuring 13 artists, out of which four emerging artists will make their debut on this platform. This includes an assortment of singers ranging from industry veterans like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Meesha Shafi, Fariha Pervez, Umair Jaswal, Ali Noor, Bohemia and Sanam Marvi alongside new-comers such as Mehdi Maloof, Aizaz Sohail, Sehar Gul Khan and Wajiha Naqvi as well as experienced artists such as Zara Madani and Ali Pervez Mehdi.

    Not only will this be a season featuring purely original songs, but the focus for this season has also been on its content and social messaging including an all-female anthem on women’s empowerment. Interestingly, this will be the first time ever in CS history that all the female artists of the season will be singing together, although each artist was recorded separately.

    Moreover, given the new format and advantages of technology, this season has also collaborated with international musicians from across the world including Turkey, Nepal, Lebanon and Serbia.

    “Working on this season has been a valuable learning experience. It has left me with a realization that in order for anything to survive, it must have the ability to change and adapt to the circumstances that surround it. Even in trying times, we must not give up but instead re-invent ourselves and keep moving ahead. Despite the limitations of this pandemic, everyone on the team, especially the artists, willingly left their comfort zones only to help keep alive the tradition of sharing music. It is with this same spirit that we bring CS to you this year; a humble effort to share something familiar, yet new.” said producer Rohail Hyatt.

    Given the extraordinary circumstances under which this year’s season has been produced, it will be deliberately referred to as CS 2020 and not CS Season 13.

    The first episode of Coke Studio 2020 is set to air on December 4, 2020.