The Best of Coke Studio Season 14
After being deeply underwhelmed by 'Tu Jhoom,' Ill admit that I did dismiss Xulfi's Coke Studio as yet another half baked ode to Pakistan's popular Sufi-inspired music, Coke Studio 14's debut song seemed to signal a boring season ahead. Sung by two giants of the industry - Abida Parveen and Naseebo Lal, the song lacked any real recall factor that pop music must deliver. And then Arooj Aftab 'starrer' Mehram was also quite bland to be honest. So, what were the magic numbers that made it happen?
Ali Sethi and Shae Gill - Pasoori
From that cinematic start with Sheema Kirmani to Ali Sethi's red and gold East African suit, the song is a love letter to the global South and an ode to South Asia. With the song put together by Ali, Xulfi and Abdullah Siddiqui, the combination of Punjabi and reggaeton (dubbed ragaton by Abdullah Siddiqui) has a magical, mystical effect. The lyrics are rooted in a very 'desi' love story, of lovers singed by 'majboori.' Absolutely, gorgeous! The entire experience has been produced to perfection!
Favorite part of the song: Bana De, Saja De, Panah De Humein
Soch the Band and Butt Brothers - Neray Neray Vas
This single packs heat like a Punjabi summer! The song is unapologetically sexy - the richness of the vocals combined with the on point pop beats makes for a banger of a listen. If Pasoori is an ode to South Asia, Neray Neray Vas is an ode to the desi man. Hear me out on this one - Adnan Dhool's in that banarsi (?) jacket is pretty damn beautiful. The post-modern, masculine aesthetic is so strong in the whole experience. And then the Butt Brothers are just so cool! Their rich, crisp vocals are the perfect accompaniment to Adnan Dhool's more classic, soulful voice.
Favorite part of the song: Tu mera pardah banjawain, mein betha buss teri chawaen.
Hasan Raheem, Justin Bibis and Talal Qureshi - Peechay Hutt
Tbh, I was not quite convinced of Hasan Raheem when I first heard his music. 'Why is he mumbling?' Needless to say, I stand converted and may even be willing to forgive Hasan's 'katoora cut' as I begin to understand this Gen Z aesthetic. But what I do understand is a good song. And Peechay Hutt ticks all the boxes. Full marks for developing an actual narrative keeping the audience in mind. Also, happy to see Talal Qureshi return to the forefront as a producer (fan here!). The swag of Justin Bibis remains unmatched - would love see more of these ladies on the music scene. You know the song is alright when a radio veteran and her 9 year old nephew are grooving to the same song.
Favorite part of the song: Sau baatein bolo, mein sunnay ko tayyar nahi
Kaifi Khalil, Abdul Wahab Bugti and Eva B - Kana Yaari
While the damboora has my heart, the song ticks all the representation boxes with conviction and great production too. It is heartening to see Eva B deliver on the assignment but the real star here is Kaifi Khalil. He truly embodies the rich poetic value of Baluchistan's music based in oral history and social commentary. The song has all the elements to make it a club/dance hit. The remixes would be stellar!
Favorite part of the song: Tum sukoon ki neend sona, hum ho gaye yahan par nafsiyati
And those were my favorite tracks from the season. I do appreciate the conscious effort put into creating a narrative and consequent experience for each song. Each song is an experience and some experiences are better than others. For example, Moaziz Sarif is one I would never want to indulge in again.