REPORT
Five songs that stole the show
in Coke Studio season 9
I
t’s safe to say that Coke Studio season nine ended
with a lot of hype, grandeur, and lavishness. Similar to
its previous seasons, this season was a bag of mixed
flavours. Some episodes were brilliant; some were ordinary, while others were below average. Therefore, with
a total of seven episodes and 30 songs, here is my pick
of the five best creations of the season.
5. Tu Kuja Man Kuja
Finale
Artist: Shiraz Uppal and Rafaqat Ali Khan
Music Director: Shiraz Uppal
Shiraz Uppal and Rafaqat Ali created a soulful kalam
with a mesmerising chorus – that managed to win my
heart. Usually a male duet with similar voice quality fails
to deliver, but that was not the case with this kalam. Shiraz Uppal’s alternative style, paired with Rafaqat Ali’s
classical style, complemented each other extremely
well, despite the odds.
4. Uddi Ja
Episode four
Artist: Mohsin Abbas Haider
Music Director: Jaffer Zaidi
This one was a hit. As we all know,
this Sufi kalam took the nation by
storm. Although Mohsin Abbas was
one of the more underrated artists of
the season, he managed to deliver
a song worth mentioning. For a solo
performance to leave an impact, the
artist needs to be in full command
of his craft, and this command and
confidence was not expected from
Mohsin Abbas. He owned his song
and led a performance that left a
great impact on the audience.
3. Maula e Kull
Episode three
Artist: Abida Parveen
Music Director: Shani Arshad
Abida Parveen has never gone wrong and this is something we continue to witness every time. A master in Sufi
and mystic kalams, and with this kalam she proves her
worth yet again. Maula e Kull is Abida Parveen’s solo
performance. It’s a slow prayer to God that has managed to enchant the listeners. It starts with minimal music that allows her voice to mesmerise the audience,
and then, the music heightens taking the listeners on a
journey of passion. It’s powerful and that’s exactly what
Abida Parveen is all about.
2. Rang
Finale
Artist: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Amjad Sabri
Music Director: Shani Arshad
The entire nation was waiting for this performance since
the beginning of the season. This kalam moved us as it
was Amjad Sabri’s last performance before his sudden
and tragic demise, hence it was a reminder of what we
have lost. The commanding duo of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
and Amjad Sabri performing Amir Khusro’s timeless kalam of Aaj Rang Hai couldn’t have been better. Both are
masters of their crafts and created a magical illusion for
the audience. They proved what a real qawwali means
in today’s world and also, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s voice
modulation was appreciated by all, whereas the brilliance of Amjad Sabri was acknowledged, celebrated,
and mourned.
1. Paar Chanaa De
Episode four
Artist: Noori and Shilpa Rao
Music Director: Noori
Paar Chanaa De has been unanimously declared as the
best by the majority following Coke Studio. Performed
by Noori and the talented singer from across the border Shilpa Rao – this song brings together the unusual
combination of Shipla’s rough vocals and Noori’s earthy
ones. The emotion embedded in the song helped boost
its popularity. The lyrics narrate a tragic love story, but
the upbeat music makes its unique from the typical tragic
love songs.Although the season just ended, let’s admit,
we cannot wait for season 10!
16 | BOOM