Rightly put - Voice of the Nation
Coke Studio - a ground breaking idea of showcasing a theatrical musical performance weaved with soul stirring melodies, captivating tunes with myriad of musical influences from different regions and culture, immortal lyrics and mythical pairing of artists collaborating from traditional to classical music. All against the backdrop of alt-billboard Coke brand making it a truly magical and divinely experience. Yes, I am a huge fan of Coke Studio.
Coke Studio has passed 10 years and it is a force to reckon with. It ran 11 seasons and it went strength to strength every season with every season raising the bar higher.
Call it genius or magic - Rohail Hyatt hit the nail on the head ! Hitting the ball out of the park. Coke Studio is conceived, produced and directed by Rohail Hyatt (of Vital Signs band - known as 'Beatles' of Pakistan back in the 80s). The meteoritic popularity of Coke Studio Pakistan led to different 'chapters' in different countries - Middle East, Africa and India. None matching the popularity and cult following as Coke Studio Pakistan of course - a tremendous feat considering what the country has been through.
Following the popularity, other variations of Coke Studio model popped up e.g "Pepsi - Battle of the Bands" , "Nescafe Basement". Creating more options for listeners and musicians alike.
Special shout out to Nescafe Basement for creating a niche audience with 'raw' talents against the backdrop of more casual and 'garage' feel.
Quick Facts about some of the performances that comes to mind:
- Tajdar e Haram by Atif Aslam is the most viewed song
- Paar Channa by Noori features an Indian playback singer. The song also has a instrument playing by Noori's mother Noor Zehra. She is apparently the only person to play that instrument called Sagar Veena.
- Sayyonee - famous song by Junoon is the most hated song which was reprised by Salman Ahmed and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
- Ko ko Korina - most talked about song as this episode was featured as the last song of the season and sung by current heartthrob Raza Ali. Even the Interior Minister tweeted her dislike for the rendition.
- Afreen Afreen - by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan featured a debutant Momina that became a sensation across the country.
- Paimona De - a pushto poem by Persian poet Omar Khayyam sung by female duo Zeb and Haniya.
Below is the list of my best Coke Studio performances (not in any order):
1) Uddi Ja - by Mohsin Abbas
2) Khakhi Banda - by Ahmed Jehanzaib and
3) O Re - by Noori
4) Paar Channa - by Noori
5) Tinak Din - by Ali Sethi
6) Ranjish he Sahi - by Ali Sethi
7) So janey Do - by Ali Azmat
8) Aj Rung - by Hadiqa Kiani
9) Meray Lawng - by
10) Rangeela Re - by Ali Azmat
11) Paimona De - by Zeb and Hanya
12) Chal Deya - by Zeb and Haniya
13) Afreen Afreen - by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Momina
14) Sammi Meri Waar - by QB and
15) Ayya Layya Re -
16) Tum Naraz Ho - by Sajjad Ali
17) Sab Jag Soye - by QB and
18) Meri Meri - by
19) Lal Meri - by QB and
20) Man Kuntu Maula - by
21) Jhalliya - by
22) Chaap Tilak - by Haiqa
23) Nindya Re - by Kaavish
24) Yeh woh jaga hai - by Kaavish
25) Faasley - by Kaavish and QB
26) Naina Morey -
27) Aaqa - by Abida Parveen and Ali Sethi
28) Janey Na Tu - by Ali Khan
29) Bholay Bhala - by
30) Tera Woh Pyar - by
31) Garaj Baras - by Junoon
32) Dekh Tera Pyar - by Farhan and QB
33) Panchi - by Jal and QB
34) Tu Kya Howa - by Bilal Khan
35) Jal Pari - by Atif Aslam
36) Duur - by Strings
37) Titliyaan - by Strings
