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After a strong premiere to the season, Coke Studio 11 drew major applause for its inclusive, energetic start. However, with its second episode out, can it manage to keep the magic going?

Featuring a set of returning artists like Asrar, Abida Parveen, Ali Azmat, and Ataullah Khan Esakhelvi, the episode also introduced Pakistan to internationally-renowned sister duo, Krewella.

So, what exactly went down this episode and who shined? We have the lowdown…

 

Gaddiye

Seeing a return to the platform, the collaboration between Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi and Asrar screams earthiness. Spun around a high-energy folk tune, Gaddiye brings in the classic vibe to the episode – which probably, one hasn’t seen since the Rohail Hyatt days. That said, while the Sufi poetry does hit the right notes, it suffers from a disjointed duet between Asrar and Ataullah Khan, whose tonal variations seem poles apart.

 

Rasha Mama

Keeping with the ethnic theme this episode, Coke Studio brings Pashto singer Zarsanga to the platform for Rasha Mama. Accompanied by the mellifluous voice of Gul Panrra and Khumariyaan – the boys that took Pashto music mainstream, the trio create a strong percussion-driven track, which elevates the well-loved folk songs into a delightful hear.

 

Ghoom Charakhra

Bringing two of the strongest singers Pakistan has to offer together, Ghoom Charakhra was coined to be an ‘experience’ for this season. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The song feels like a waste of talent, and even the Sufi music legend Abida Parveen and the rock powerhouse Ali Azmat, cannot save this. Has Coke Studio really lost the plot with this rendition of a classic? We think, yes.

 

Runaway

Introducing Pakistan to the music of Krewella and their EDM lifestyle, Runaway has to be the highlight of the episode. Fusing western contemporary music with the likes of Riaz and Ghulam Ali Qadri’s rustic vocals, the song weaves soul into the platform. Can this easily be a chartbuster internationally? We surely believe so!

 

 

Shahjehan Saleem

The author is Contributing Editor at Something Haute as well as a professor in the Media Sciences department at SZABIST, Karachi. Socio-cultural theories and geography fill up the rest of his time.