Coke Studio Season 9’s Finale has launched today. Here are songs from the last episode.
Sab Jag Soye by Quratulain Balouch & Shuja Haider
Pee Jaon originally performed and composed by Farhan Saeed, Momina Mustehsen & Saad Sultan
Additional lyrics by Musheer Kazmi (Chandni Raatein)
Music Directed by Shuja Haider
Produced by Strings
A truly, well-crafted melody – ‘Sab Jag Soye’ is a duet performed by Quratulain Balouch and music director and vocalist, Shuja Haider. Taking the reigns from the beginning, the single opens with QB holding her own in a track that is impeccably designed around her voice, as the brooding and effective bass guitar riff makes way for a complete change in tempo. Through its energetic music structure – Shuja’s strong, melodic vocal abilities – the constant shifting of the pace makes the journey through the track unpredictably wonderful. (Source: COKE STUDIO)
Tu Kuja Man Kuja by Shiraz Uppal & Rafaqat Ali Khan
Original Composition by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Lyrics by Muzaffar Warsi
Music Directed by Shiraz Uppal
Produced by Strings
‘Tu Kuja Man Kuja’ is a mesmerizing qawwali built upon a cyclic music structure that draws you in from start to finish within the space of its meticulously selected soundscapes. Rafaqat Ali Khan’s effortless and pitch perfect vocals brings the track into a spiritual and cosmic realm exhibiting words penned by Muzaffar Warsi, and originally composed by the maestro – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Shiraz Uppal’s soulful voice serves as the perfect accompaniment to the pulsing bass, and the inclusion of the dynamic tabla to maximize the essence of the traditional qawwali genre. (Source: COKE STUDIO)
Nimma Nimma by Shani Arshad
Lyrics by Sabir Zafar
Music Directed by Shani Arshad
Produced by Strings
An affectionate ode to a mother, ‘Nimma Nimma’ explores the longing of love and nostalgia capturing a sea of emotions through the duration of the track. Composed and performed by music director, Shani Arshad – the beautiful and subtle songwriting by Sabir Zafar elevates the bar even further. An irresistible melody, underlining the eastern sensibilities with the string section and soft drums to accentuate the soundscape – Shani’s warm and soulful vocals are at once honest and heartrending. The interval featuring Sajid’s flute solo is particularly special as it translates the emotions of the singer and the lyrics into the piece that resonates through this deeply moving and heartfelt tribute. (Source: COKE STUDIO)
O Re by Noori
Music Directed by Noori
Produced by Strings
‘O Re’ is a pop-rock track that’s brimming with nostalgia with an up-tempo, feel-good melody that’s as refreshing as is addictive. Written, composed and performed by Noori – the tune has stayed in the duo’s vault with some hundred odd unreleased tracks with Ali Hamza playing with this one for a good 8 years. ‘O Re’ is crammed full of energetic lively antics from the accordion solo adding a celebratory atmosphere to the soft alluring vocals, or the infectious chorus to impeccable guitar skills spewing from Ali Noor. The love-drenched single might be a rare release but the kind that won’t leave your mind long after you’ve asked it to.(Source: COKE STUDIO)
Dil Kamla by Natasha Khan & Faakhir Mehmood
Traditional Folk
Lyrics by Sabir Zafar
Music Directed by Faakhir Mehmood
Produced by Strings
A traditional Punjabi folk, ‘Dil Kamla’ is a beautifully composed collaboration performed in warm overtones by Natasha Khan, with music director Faakhir Mehmood. A delightfully romantic single, ‘Dil Kamla’ parks itself in the easy-listening category with the simple music arrangement merging seamlessly into the melody. The serene accordion pieces transport you to a familiar warm place as Natasha and Faakhir wander through a myriad of romanticism. Whilst the addition of the classic pop-rock power chord, and guitar riff drives the chorus layered with the choir style harmonies that create a delicate, and intricate soundscape of a track you can’t get enough of.(Source: COKE STUDIO)
Rang BY Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Amjad Sabri
Kalaam of Ameer Khusro
Music Directed by Shani Arshad
Produced by Strings
In all its melodramatic glory, and approximately 40 years ago, a shrine echoed with the sound of a traditional qawwali performed in an epic collaboration by the maestros, Ghulam Farid Sabri with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The divine kalaam of Amir Khusro – ‘Rang’ – soared through the skies. In what has been deemed as the most anticipated performance of Coke Studio’s Season 9, the two families return to the platform for the first time since, as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Amjad Sabri collaborate to perform the very track, four decades later.
Recorded in the first and only take, as the song’s melodic heart unfolds Rahat’s vocals float over the top, forging ahead into well-known territories. With the rasp of Sabri’s rumbling vocals fuelled by a momentary key change, combining the sounds of the past and the present whilst igniting the sense of nostalgia most gracefully – carrying you off to somewhere else entirely. Embodying the classic traditional essence, the kalaam comes alive enriched by the raw, soulful inflections warming your heart and soul for many more decades. (Source: COKE STUDIO)