Top 10 Songs From Coke Studio Pakistan

|By Ajay Nair|

I am sure there are some very mellifluous songs that come to your mind the moment I say Coke Studio Pakistan. The whole idea of bringing different artists to one place and creating some good music is very captivating. I bet you will have at least one song of Coke Studio in your playlist. Coke Studio was first started in Pakistan which featured live studio recording music. It is the longest-running annual television music show in Pakistan running annually since 2008. It has over 10 seasons with more than 72 episodes. The latest season has 25 artists with a large number of musicians and various other crew backing up with it. Apart from Pakistan, there is also Coke Studio India, Africa, the Middle East and the Philippines.

But the original Coke Studio stills stands at the top in terms of quality of songs and the range of audience it appeals to. It has an audience from all over the world. Even though India has a very love-hate kind of relationship with the country, the music still binds the people together. One of the songs that made Coke Studio more popular was ‘Afreen Afreen’ by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Momina Mustehan. It went viral throughout the country and people showed the attention towards Coke Studio. Enough of telling you how Coke Studio emerged, let us talk about some music of it. So here is the list of top 10 songs from Coke Studio Pakistan.

1.Kaatay Na Katay by Humera Rashid, Aima Baig & Rachel Viccaji:

This song was originally composed by Nisar Bazmi. A song where Rock meets Semi-classical in this exhilarating music video. Music direction was done by Ali Hamza, one of the founding producers of Coke Studio Pakistan. His short cameo verse, in the end, gave a perfect end to this melodious saga. This song is one of my personal favourites and was saved to my playlists as soon as I heard it first. If you love fusion songs, especially rock and semi-classical fusion, then give this a go.

2. Allahu Akbar by Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan and Ahmed Jehanzeb:

Allahu Akbar is a musical masterpiece which blends Middle-Eastern and South-Asian musical motifs in a confluence of devotion. Basically, it is a devotional song, and the best part of devotional songs are that even if the language is unknown we can still enjoy its zealousness. Earphones are recommended while you listen to this masterpiece. If you want you can keep the subtitles on.

3. Tajdar-E-Haram By Atif Aslam:

From the very first line, ‘Tajdar-E-Haram’ establishes a soulful connection with its audience. Its soothing melody of qawwali is the charm of the song till the end. I don’t even have to convince you to know how good Atif Aslam is, in his art. After you listen to this song, you will be in love with Babar Ali Khanna, the guy who played the Tabla. Subtitles and Earphones are highly recommended with this song.

4. Aaja Re Moray Saiyaan by Zeb Bangash and Noori:

As soon as the first line starts, your whole mood will be changed and you will be hooked to this beautiful song by Zebunnisa Bangash. The first song that I heard of Zeb was “Hone Do Batiyan” from the movie Fitoor. Her voice takes us to a whole different world where there are musical flowers that are blooming and its scenting fragrance will be with you for a couple of minutes. Try not to listen to this song for more than 4 times because I am sure you will definitely play this on loop.

5. Mujh Se Pehli Si Muhabbat by Humaira Channa and Nabeel Shaukat Ali:

This song needs no introduction. People who know this AMAZING poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz will definitely know these beautiful lyrics of his. A The silvery voice of Humera Channa with a scintillating voice of Nabeel Shaukat make for a fantastic combination to take on this humble tribute to Malika-E-Tarranum, Noor Jehan.

6. Latthay Di Chaadar by Quratulain Balouch and Farhan Saeed:

I bet you have heard this song at least once in your life. This song is very common in North Indian Weddings. This song was composed by many artists. Quratulain Balouch’s textured, radiant voice belting out Latthay Di Chaadar makes for a perfect mixture. The Backing Vocals of this song makes the song even more vibrant.

7.Chaap Tilak by Abida Parveen and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan:

You don’t have to think twice if this song is good or not if the lyrics are written by the musical genius Hazrat Amir Khusro. Now let me tell you about Abida Parveen Sahiba. She started singing at the age of three. Nusrat Sahab once said, “if Abida Parveen calls the almighty, almighty listen.” Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s classical verse in this touches your heart. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is the nephew of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan who is still considered as one of the best qawwals in the world.

8. Billo Da Ghar by Abrar-ul-Haq:

I have recently found out this song and it already has a special place in my heart. This song has humour with a little bit of romanticism attached to it. Abrar-ul-Haq wrote this song and put out this song long back, but this coke studio version has very funny rap with it. It is a feel-good song.

9. Dilruba Na Raazi by Zeb Bangash & Faakhir Mehmood:

Its an amalgamation of cultural sounds inspired from a Pushto folk tune, combined with an infectious melody that fits the original like a glove. Zeb Bangash's melodious voice is always a treat for the ears. Even though you don’t understand the lyrics but its tune is very catchy and you will surely enjoy it.

So here are my favourite songs from the coke studio. I have only mentioned 9 songs but I want you to add one song of your choice to the list. There are still many songs that I missed out but I really want to know your favourites. You can write your suggestion in the comment box.

Music has no language and it has no boundaries. Also, music is one of the biggest factors that unites people. So apart from these beautiful recommendations, I will end this with this quote,

"Music and Rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul"