The story behind Coke Studio 15’s opening song, ‘Aayi Aayi’
In a momentous kickoff to the 15th season of Coke Studio, the soul-stirring Sindhi anthem, ‘Aayi Aayi’ unleashed a tidal wave of euphoria among listeners. The seamless blend of rap, rhythmic beats, and poignant lyrics, accompanied by the vivid tapestry of Sindhi cultural marvels, left audiences spellbound. Sung with raw passion by the talented quartet of Noman Ali Rajper, Babar Mangi, Marvi, and Saheban.
For Noman and Babar, both hailing from the vibrant cities of Larkana and Khairpur, respectively, this song marked a profound turning point in their lives. Babar’s familial ties to Larkana run deep, his roots anchoring him to its essence. Noman’s heart, meanwhile, resonates with Khairpur, his hometown. Never did they imagine that destiny would propel them onto the global stage, showering them with an abundance of love and adulation.
During an exclusive chat with Geo Digital’s The Chat Box, both singers opened up about their journey. They emphasizing that it was far from easy, sharing moments of joy and reflecting on the challenges they’ve overcome along the way.
Noman Rajper, an engineer who has dedicated 14 years to his musical passion, knows firsthand the trials and tribulations of life. Despite facing some of the toughest days imaginable, he refused to let go of his dreams.
“I remember those days,” Noman began, “when I used to plead with event organizers to play our songs at their events, only to be met with demands for payment.” He continued, “But after the explosion of ‘Aayi Aayi’, suddenly those same organizers are blowing up our phones, inviting us to their podcasts and shows. It’s a strange feeling, honestly. I can’t help but feel a bit uneasy about these calls because it’s clear they’re not interested in our talent; they’re after the fame our song has brought us. It’s disheartening to realize that they didn’t value our craft or our song when we needed their support the most.”
“Now that the world is buzzing about our music,” Noman expressed, “suddenly they want to claim a piece of our time. But it’s too late for that now. An artist needs support during the toughest, most struggling phases, not just when they hit it big. If you don’t stand by an artist and appreciate their craft during the hard times, there’s no sincerity in celebrating their success after a hit.”
“The song ‘Aayi Aayi’ is indeed a story of resilience,” Noman Rajper shared. “I drew inspiration from Marvi’s folktale, but its essence speaks to anyone facing the pressure to follow their dreams and make their own choices. Many are living lives dictated by others’ wills. The line ‘Zoron Jee Mehndi Lagti Na Hai’, captures the fleeting nature of forced decisions”.
When asked if the song resonates personally, Noman replied, “Yes, various whispers reached my ears, indirectly questioning my future in music. But music is my passion, my dream, and my choice. I find comfort in pursuing it, standing firm against external pressures”.
“In Khairpur, music isn’t a common topic of conversation” Noman shared. “If a few folks gather for a Baithak, they’ll discuss everything under the sun except music,” he added.
Reflecting on their enduring friendship and shared roots in the Sindhi community, Babar expressed, “Noman is more than a friend; he’s like a brother to me. Our shared cultural background keeps us close. Sometimes, when we collaborate on a song, our thoughts naturally align. I often tell Noman he’d make a great rapper.” As for himself, Babar mused, “If I weren’t a rapper, I’d probably be a motivational speaker.”
Discussing the evolving music scene in Larkana, Babar observed, “In Larkana, there are many Sindhi sing-ers, doing the old traditional Sindhi music. While it still thrives, there’s a growing appetite for something new and unique. Revamping our traditional tunes is essential, but many fear change. I believe change is necessary.”
Recalling his iconic entry on the charpayi in‘Aayi Aayi’, Babar fondly reminisced, “When Awais Gohar, our director, suggested my entry on the charpayi, I was thrilled.
Even though he asked me, are you sure about it?” I told him, “If you ask me to jump from a wall, I’ll do it. Surrounded by around 30 people, when I entered on the charpayi it was a magical moment. The set was wondrous, a true reflection of our Sindhi culture and beauty.”
Their journey from local talents to international sensations is a testament to the power of dreams and the unyielding spirit of perseverance.
As they bask in the newfound limelight, Noman and Babar remain grounded, humbled by the overwhelming support of their fans. Their story is not just about music; it’s a celebration of heritage, camaraderie, and the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to chase their dreams.
“I remember those days, when I used to plead
with event organizers to play our songs at their events, only to be met with demands for payment. But after the explosion of ‘Aayi Aayi’, suddenly those same organizers are blowing up our phones, inviting us to their podcasts and shows. I can’t help but feel a bit uneasy about these calls because it’s clear they’re not interested in our talent; they’re after the fame our song has brought us. It’s disheartening to realize that they didn’t value our craft or our song when we needed their
support the most.” –Noman Rajper
