This year, Coke Studio Season 11 has come with a new sound and feel. The modernization and redevelopment of sound through a diverse lineup that they once set out to do is working wonders. We’re humming well into Episode 5 now and thus far we’ve seen experimentation, fusion and collaboration with and amongst musicians from different parts of Pakistan, that unite everyone through their shared passion for music. Kudos to Ali Hamza and Zohaib Kazi for being the visionaries they are, because from what it looks like, the upcoming episodes of Coke Studio Season 11 will be quiet the treat for everyone. But for now, here are OUR five favourite tracks from Season 11.
BALKAADA, LUCKY, NAGHMA & JIMMY KHAN
This one was surely a surprise for us at least because the cat was finally out of the bag once Balkaada kicked in. The transgender duo, Lucky and Naghma owned the song with Jimmy Khan’s support. Bravo! Just the fact that the producers turned “shaadi ke tappay” into a traditional yet modern twist spiraled things for us. The tempo of the song is upbeat, fun and playful, and just the whole idea of letting the trans duo to display their courage and musical debut gets a heart emoji from us! #shaaditrackoftheyear
SHIKWA JAWAB-E-SHIKWA, NATASHA BAIG, FAREED AYAZ & ABU MOHAMMAD
The impassioned poetry, Shikwa Jawab-e-Shikwa is powerful enough, so when you add a funk/rock beat and electric guitars to words that can give you goosebumps, will take you on a high if you’ve acquired taste for such grandiosity. Just the fact that Natasha Baig holds on to the magnum opus for 5 minutes goes on to show that she’s a power house with those heavy vocals. Fareed Ayaz and Abu Mohammad merge the song into a qawwali like sunshine, reminding us of the magic Shikwa Jawab-e-Shikwa holds. One of the best renditions from Season 11!
RUNWAY, KREWELLA, RIAZ & GHULAM ALI QADRI
Coke Studio 11 is probably Krewella’s coolest debut with the Qadri brothers because it created the most soulful folk fusion. From the soothing tone of the American duo to the contrast that was brought in the sound by the Qadri brothers vocals work out brilliantly. To have Krewella be a part of this season goes on to show how far sighted the producers have been to mix different sounds together.
ROYE ROYE, SAHIR ALI BAGGA & MOMINA MUSTEHSAN
Roye Roye is a poignant tale of love and loss accompanied by a Mandolin and flute with Sahir Ali Bagga and Momina Mustehsan’s vocals. The song has a heart, and is a sincere rendition of painful memories and submission. Sahir Ali Bagga has given his best performance that is emotionally receptive to date with Roye Roye and we are in awe of his talent as a musician, singer and song writer. Momina Mustehsan has her lows in the song, however she manages to keep up, but Roye Roye belongs to “Bagga” completely! A tear-jerker we’d say!
NAMI DANAM, CHAND TARA ORCHESTRA
Nami Danam is grunge and rock, with drums and a sound that gradually increases into an anthem as you cry and tap into a spiritual abyss. Chand Tara Orchestra is a rare jewel amongst all others with their take on Persian Kalam and you realize how talented and connected they are as individuals and band members. And as you hit the ending note, “Mee Raqsam” that translates into “I am dancing” ends gently whilst leaving you in wonder and yearning.
What’s your favourite track from Coke Studio Season 11? Let us know by commenting below!
