hen Coke Studio Pakistan first emerged, it rapidly became a cultural phenomenon, captivating the nation with its unique fusion of music and artistry. Its founder, Rohail Hyatt, instilled a competitive spirit among producers, positing that each season should surpass its predecessor. There is an underlying current, conscious or not, flowing through Coke Studio seasons, especially those helmed by returning executive producers, that is strongly reminiscent of this theory. This ethos fueled a relentless pursuit of innovation, culminating in the unparalleled success of Coke Studio 14 under the creative direction of Zulfiqar ‘Xulfi’ Jabbar Khan.

Coke Studio 14 was a watershed moment, marked by a radical departure from the norm. Original compositions replaced cover songs, while the visual aesthetic underwent a dramatic transformation. The season’s crowning achievement was undoubtedly ‘Pasoori,’ a global sensation that catapulted Coke Studio to unprecedented heights of popularity. The overwhelming success of Coke Studio 14 naturally led to lofty expectations for subsequent seasons. The only criticism was the absence of folk music, beyond the standout track ‘Kana Yari,’ being a notable exception. The overall excellence of Coke Studio 14 set a high bar, making one wonder how Xulfi could possibly surpass it.

However, an extended hiatus followed, sparking speculation about the show’s future. Upon its return, Coke Studio aimed to recapture its former glory by blending established artists with emerging talent. While the new season undoubtedly showcased musical prowess, it failed to replicate the magic and innovation that characterized its peak.

The trajectory of Coke Studio serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges inherent in maintaining artistic excellence over time. While the show’s legacy remains undeniable, its recent output raises questions about its ability to consistently deliver groundbreaking content that resonates with audiences.

What’s the story,
morning glory?

Coke Studio has consistently proven its ability to merge diverse talent and create musical magic. This season’s introduction of fresh faces alongside established artists is a commendable step. However, while collaboration has been a cornerstone of the show’s success, its overuse in Coke Studio 15 overshadows the potential of individual brilliance. Xulfi’s open-mindedness as a producer and curator is undeniable. Yet, as the show’s visionary, he should have exercised greater restraint in the number of collaborations. The formula that worked in Coke Studio 14 does not necessarily translate seamlessly to the present season.

Tracks like ‘Aayi Aayi’ (featuring Noman Ali, Babar Mangi, Marvi and Saiban) and ‘2AM’ (featuring Star Shah and Zeeshan Ali) showcased the show’s potential to celebrate regional diversity and introduce promising new talent. However, the collaboration between Sabri Sisters (Saman Sabri and Anamta Sabri from the Sabri family) and Rozeo (for the track Maghron La) felt forced. The attempt to blend traditional and contemporary sounds resulted in a track that lacked cohesion and authenticity.

The excessive focus on creating a ‘Pasoori’-like anthem and the reliance on rap as the sole representative of the new music scene is questionable. The music video for ‘Maghron La’, while visually striking, detracted from the song’s core essence. The dance sequence, choreographed by Nasir Sirikhan’s Quick Style, was undoubtedly the standout moment of the song. However, the overall production leans heavily into a Bollywood-esque template, diluting the unique potential of the collaboration between Sabri Sisters and Rozeo. A more minimalist approach, focusing on the artists’ distinct styles, would have yielded a more compelling and authentic result. Despite the song’s commercial success, its lack of originality is disappointing.

While streaming numbers may be impressive, they do not necessarily equate to artistic merit. A return to spotlighting individual artists and their unique styles would be a refreshing departure for Coke Studio. I’d rather watch Lahooti Live Sessions in the meantime.

Coke Studio’s ‘Harkalay’ by Zahoor x Rehma is a missed opportunity. While the platform often serves as a launchpad for exceptional talent, the fusion of Pashto and English in this track feels incongruous. Zahoor’s powerful vocals, capable of carrying an entire performance, are overshadowed by the unnecessary English interludes. This decision suggests a misguided attempt to cater to a broader audience at the expense of artistic integrity.

While the season heavily emphasizes on a regional focus, the execution feels superficial. The visually striking sets are a far cry from the authentic locations they purport to represent. Given the show’s substantial budget, capturing the true essence of these places should have been a priority. The narrative behind ‘Harkalay’ is irrelevant; the music and visuals should be the primary focus. Unfortunately, the song’s attempt to create a romanticized image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rings hollow.

While some tracks manage to capture the magic that has defined Coke Studio, the majority of this season is a disappointment. The fusion of genres, a hallmark of the show, feels forced and often jarring.

In stark contrast to the rest of the season, the track ‘O Yaara’ by Kaavish and Abdul Hannan shines. This understated gem showcases the raw talent and emotional depth that the platform is capable of delivering. The song’s honest and vulnerable approach is a welcome departure from the overproduced and formulaic tracks that dominate the season. Kaavish’s musical prowess and Abdul Hannan’s soulful vocals evoke the spirit of Coke Studio’s golden era. Jaffer Zaidi’s contribution, reminiscent of his mother Nayyara Noor’s timeless voice, adds an extra layer of depth and beauty to the track.‘O Yaara’ is a poignant reminder of what Coke Studio can achieve when it prioritizes authenticity and artistic integrity over superficial trends.

The critical acclaim bestowed upon Coke Studio 15 includes another great track, ‘Jhol’ featuring Mannu and Annural Khalid. Jamal Rahman, the visionary director behind the mesmerizing ‘Jhol’ video, offered profound insights into the song’s conceptual framework. He described it as a moving exploration of love’s intricate and tumultuous journey, from its ethereal beginnings to its heart-wrenching dissolution. Drawing inspiration from the archetypal narratives of classical tragedies, Rahman meticulously constructed a narrative that unfolded within the confines of an alternate Pakistan, a realm where artistic expression was not merely tolerated but fervently encouraged and celebrated. The music video itself emerged as a captivating homage to Karachi’s bygone era, a period characterized by a vibrant nightlife and an aesthetic that Rahman aptly describes as “South Asian Art Deco.” His aspiration was to resurrect and immortalize this lost world, drawing inspiration from the architectural remnants scattered across neighborhoods like Saddar and Lalazar.

However, this artistic triumph was unfortunately overshadowed by a discordant undercurrent that permeated the remainder of the season. The collaboration between Hasan Raheem and Shazia Manzoor, featuring two artists of exceptional talent, appeared incompatible within the broader context of Coke Studio. The rationale behind pairing them for a platform of such immense significance remains shrouded in mystery, leaving viewers perplexed and questioning the overall artistic direction of the season.

Coke Studio: a decline in substance

Coke Studio 15 stands as a stark contrast to its potential. While the show has consistently boasted a talented creative team, capable of crafting visually stunning productions, the absence of truly memorable music has rendered even their most elaborate efforts hollow. Season 14’s diverse aesthetic seems to have been replaced by a repetitive visual playbook, resulting in a season that is easily forgotten.

This raises critical questions about the show’s future direction. Perhaps it is time for Coke Studio to shift its focus from producing entire seasons to nurturing individual artists through EPs and LPs. After fifteen years, the nation may have reached saturation point with the current music show format. This season’s lackluster performances, even from established artists like Sajjad Ali, further undermines the show’s claim as the “Sound of the Nation.” The considerable resources dedicated to producing a largely mediocre season necessitate a reevaluation of the platform’s purpose.

A comparison to previous seasons, particularly those under the guidance of Strings, highlights the decline. Zohaib Kazi and Ali Hamza’s Coke Studio season 11 also serves as a benchmark for the show’s potential.

The current season’s failure to elevate artists like Kaifi Khalil and Faris Shafi, despite their involvement, underscores the broader issue of a lack of impactful music. While Shafi’s distinctive appearance garnered attention, it ultimately proved to be a superficial highlight amidst a season devoid of substance.

Coke Studio 15 is a stark reminder of the adage “too many cooks spoil the broth.” The season’s sonic landscape is a chaotic mishmash, lacking the cohesive direction and innovative spirit that defined its earlier iterations. While a few tracks like ‘O Yaara,’ ‘Jhol,’ ‘2AM,’ and ‘Aayi Aayi’ stand out, the majority of the songs feel repetitive and visually underwhelming.

Whether it’s a matter of creative fatigue, a misguided pursuit of trends, or simply a loss of focus, the platform needs to reevaluate its direction to regain its former glory. For those seeking the magic of Coke Studio, a return to previous seasons, particularly Coke Studio 14, is recommended. Alternatively, exploring individual artist releases might offer a more fulfilling musical experience.