Folk music resides at the very heart of all things cultural in Pakistan. Festivals, celebrations and events all have associated folk songs and there are many tunes that have been adapted in regional languages and are common across the sub-continent. An effective medium for preserving myths, folklore and, most importantly, spiritual messages in allegorical song form,Folk music has made the journey through distant time and features memorably on Coke Studio.

Ali Zafar’s compositions and vocal capabilities reveal a natural compatibility with folk music and pop/folk fusion with him was an exciting prospect. A huge star with two highly popular albums to his credit, Ali Zafar is refreshingly candid. When initially approached for Coke Studio he immediately mentioned that he had more than just a casual interest in folk music and welcomed the opportunity to collaborate on a traditional sufi-folk composition. Summing up his general attitude toward fusion, he is emphatic when he says, “I like to experiment”.

And pairing him up with Tufail Ahmed proved to be an enthralling experiment. Hailing from interior Sindh, Tufail Ahmed is a phenomenon in sufi-folk circles, with innumerable albums to his credit and a vast fan following. Tufail has a powerful voice that is irresistibly, evocatively compelling. And as for Ali Zafar, he simply stunned everyone - with his grasp of the distinctive nuances of folk music and his impressively controlled vocal capacity. At the dress rehearsal just a day before the final session, their combined magic wove a spell over the Coke Studio team. It was a reverent silence and stillness that fell over all present, from Brand Manager to tea-boy. And a rare break from work as everyone simply stopped what they were doing and listened, spell-bound. Listening to them rehearse, it was hard to believe that Ali Zafar had never even heard the song before – he had scribbled the lyrics as Tufail Ahmed dictated them and invented improvisations to the melody as he learned it.

The Coke Studio - Ali Zafar session starts light-heartedly with “Jaaney Na”. This catchy hum-along, strum-along number is the perfect opening. Its casual, acoustic simplicity is endearing and seduces everyone to smiling and foot-tapping.

“My Happiness” by Sajid and Zeeshan follows. This is a difficult song to play live, with a complicated melody and an unconventional time signature. Sajid delivers impressively - maintaining vocal integrity and following through with a truly inspired guitar solo.

Coke Studio continues with Ali Zafar and a fusion version “Chal Dil”. “Chal Dil” goes reggae with a twist, incorporating the Eastern rhythm section and prominently featuring Babar on tablas. This highly unorthodox innovation is surprisingand refreshing.

The Coke Studio version of “Channo” is perhaps the most drastic adaptation on the show. Although Ali Zafar is surprising throughout, what happens on “Channo” has serious shock value. The heavy metal guitar intro accompanied by rather sinister vocals assaults the senses and leaves you confused and incredulous. One barely has time to make the necessary auditory adjustments when the band breaks into the recognizable riff that defines the familiar “Channo”. Visibly enjoying himself Ali Zafar flashes a mischievous grin at the audience and launches into an eclectic and vibrantly thumping version of one of his greatest hits. The percussionists are in full swing for “Channo” bringing fusion andlewa to the song with obvious enthusiasm. I think a lot of people agreed with Ali when he said, “Channo was fun… I liked being there”.

Following in the inventive strain is “Rangeen”. The band effortlessly makes the transition from heavy metal to a sound that can only be described as classic 70’s night-club, techno! Exhilaratingly ‘disco’ to its very core, with an electronic emphasis on the dance-floor pulse and effects on the vocals, “Rangeen” threatened to bring the studio audience to it’s feet with it’s pounding adrenalizing energy.

And then there is “Allah Hu”. For this unforgettable track Ali Zafar collaborates with Tufail Ahmed for an extraordinary performance, bringing sufi-folk into the limelight with a huge impact. Surreal and poignantly impassioned, “Allah Hu” moves the soul. It washes over the senses in waves of rich, layered vocals – unfettered ex-tempo from beginning to end,“Allah Hu” literally takes you on a journey, on a trip. “Allah Hu” is startlingly beautiful and although the song was loosely structured at rehearsal it breaks free of conventional arrangement to become a joyous, magical experience. Coke Studio reveals a completely unanticipated side to Ali Zafar, a side that the world never suspected. The studio audience was clearly mesmerized – as “Allah Hu” ended there was a brief stunned silence and then the audience broke into thunderous applause, rising to their feet to sustain it and make their appreciation known. Ali Zafar later said, “I seldom get the opportunity to do ‘serious’ music… It was a quite an experience!”.

Eastern classical music is an exacting science with an ancient history and a noble lineage. The art-form’s legendary Knowledge is steeped in mystery and shrouded in secrecy. It is due, in part, to the tradition of concealment and the arcane beliefs associated with it that the fusion of Eastern classical music with any other music is a rare and often controversial occurrence. Courageously stepping out from an environment where the mere mention of fusion can instigate a heated debate, Ustaad Hussain Bakhsh Gullu accepted the many challenges that Coke Studio had to offer.

The head of the famous Pattiala Family, Ustaad Gullu first met with Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia on the set of Coke Studio and soon found himself to be in surroundings that he could comfortably identify with - the environment of serious music and professional musicians. Himself a product of early training in classical music, Faisal Kapadia assumed the role of spokesman and within a surprisingly short time Faisal, Bilal and the Ustaad had struck up an easy rapport.

This session, the musical collaboration of Ustaad Hussain Baksh Gullu and Strings, has fundamentally profound implications. It transcends the visual and musical synergy of fusion, and bridges not just a genre gap, but also a generation gap. It conveys a radical change, a paradigm shift that introduces mutual respect. This Coke Studio session silently communicates an important message - the acceptance by the traditionalist of new and evolving art forms and a respectful appreciation by modern artists of their rich and ancient musical heritage.

While Coke Studio’s Episode 1 conveyed the force of passion in music, the second session is subtle, mellow. Classical music, due to its inherently delicate nature, was the most ideally suited for experimental fusion with Strings. The music draws you in gently, inviting you to experience a more finely textured emotional palette. Reflected throughout the session is the signature Strings sweetness that is both uplifting and inspiring. This is a session that will grow on you and stay with you - it has all the ingredients of a timeless classic.

Strings played their live Coke Studio session with a combination of their concert tour band and the Coke Studio House Band and the result was strikingly different. Starting off on an innovative note, Strings reinvent their No.1 hit song “Sar Kiyae hai Pahar” for the Coke Studio sessions, incorporating the entire Eastern rhythm section in a rousing celebration of sound. The Eastern cadence of the additional percussions gives the song an entirely new and exciting flavor. Bilal sings with feeling and emotion and holds unerringly true to key on “Sar Kiyae” while the backing vocalists contribute ably to rounding off this full-bodied Coke Studio version of a familiar love song.

Next, the Coke Studio House Band shine in subdued splendor in the hypnotic fusion number, known informally as The Ustaad Jam. Visibly in awe of the maestro in their midst, the musicians perform superbly - providing the perfect backdrop against which the Ustaad can demonstrate his genius. In a voice that is both soothing and arresting Ustaad Hussain Bakhsh Gullu skillfully plucks notes from the tapestry of sound around him, effortlessly weaving his alaaps over the repetitive and deceptively simple framework of keys, drums, bass and guitars. The Jam develops subtly, building almost unnoticeably to a trancy peak, with tablas featuring prominently towards the end and Gumby getting creative with brushes. All in all, the Ustaad mesmerized his audience - and his musicians. “I felt like I could have played that forever” says rocker Omran of the experience and many from the studio audience were later heard commenting that this indeed was truly sublime fusion.

Virtual unknowns, Saba & Selina are the next surprise that Coke Studio holds in store. Debuting memorably on Coke Studio, Saba and Selina look and sound all set to be stars. Casual and lighthearted “I’m in Love (I’m a Believer)” is the only cover song to feature on Coke Studio and was originally not intended to go on-air. The song came up at one of the informal behind-the-scenes jam sessions and since it sounded good, the girls spent the afternoon rehearsing and later that evening it was professionally recorded. The result of their efforts was good; so good that the song made it to Coke Studio’s Episode 2. Although neither one of these girls is a professional vocalist their talent is impressive. Equally impressive is their courage and confidence. Even seasoned performers will tell you that they still suffer from bouts of nerves when required to perform before an audience or cameras. However, Saba and Selina kept admirable control over their nerves and one must applaud them for a great performance under what must have been extreme pressure.

Bilal follows with “Anjaane”and the Coke Studio version is invigorating, vibrant and dynamic. Between them drummer Qaiser and bassist Shakir provide a solid and punchy groove and guitarist Adeel takes this opportunity to have his moment in the limelight with a flawless solo. As always, Bilal’s vocals are refreshing and distinctively unique.

The Strings continue their Coke Studio session with an effortlessly slick version of “Zinda”. The band does a particularly brilliant job on this song - Keyboardist Haider is especially note-worthy as he boldly abandons the familiar sweet piano sound of the intro for a very retro Ray Manzarek touch at the end. Faisal is impressive vocally and does the poetic interlude beautifully, speaking with expressive inflection.

The famous title track from their second album “Duur”, was the Strings chosen song for fusion and in an inspired (and inspiring) performance, “Duur” is reborn at Coke Studio. Keeping to the traditional structure of a classical performance, the Ustaad introduces the raag with an alaap, gracefully yielding to the contemporary pattern of verse and chorus when Faisal takes over. Faisal sings with striking confidence and intelligent control, creatively leaving space for the Ustaad to embellish with poignant emotion and infinite skill. The effect is spellbinding and the atmosphere unreal. The visual interplay between Ustaad Gullu and Faisal Kapadia is captivating while the vocal collaboration is breathtaking. When the song ended to a resounding applause, a visibly emotional Faisal Kapadia embraced the Ustaad, instinctively adhering to the traditional gesture of deference. Ultimately, “Duur” was the perfect closing to a memorable session.

Episode 02 featuring Strings, Ustaad Hussain Bakhsh Gullo and Saba & Selina

On 29th June 2008 at 10:00 PM (PST) on your favorite TV and Radio Channels.

Musical fusion between rock and qawwali was a natural consequence of the compatibility of the two genres and the pairing of Ali Azmat and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, a logical choice with exciting potential. Both artists are at the top of their game in their respective fields, have known each other for many years and have a genuine, mutual respect and fondness for one another.

Due to the relentless schedules dictated by both artist’s professional commitments at home and abroad Ali and Rahat got just one opportunity to rehearse together. For those present, the rehearsal was a memorable experience. For the Coke Studio House Band it was the moment of truth - would weeks of rehearsals sans vocals pay off? They did. The atmosphere on the studio floor was electrifying. A rehearsal that started with frayed nerves gave way to the magic of music and the subtle ministrations of Rohail Hyatt. An initially bemused and bewildered Rahat lost no time in absorbing the essence of the environment amidst Ali Azmat’s voluble and enthusiastic suggestions and a dozen musicians collectively preparing to raise the bar and simply rearing to prove their mettle.

Although Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s album “Charkha” had just been released at the time of the Coke Studio recordings, Rahat and Rohail both felt that this was an ideal opportunity to pay tribute to Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with a rendition of one of his traditional melodies and Shammaan Paiyaan was chosen. A brief and intricately technical discussion with the band ensued and the Coke Studio version of “Shammaan Paiyaan” took shape. Taking advantage of the solid support, both musical and technical, available at Coke Studio, Rahat gave a memorable demonstration of his legendary flair for ex-tempo alaap in a highly emotional and evocative performance.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, recently returned from an international tour with Eddie Vedder performing the Michael Brookes versions of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Night Songs, says he was amazed and delighted with the level of professionalism and dedication evident at Coke Studio. “Today I can say that our musicians here in Pakistan are at par with international musicians,” said Rahat shortly after rehearsing with the Coke Studio House Band for the first time, “I have performed all over the world but I can say, with pride and without a doubt that I have never experienced anything like this.”

Eager to acknowledge Rahat’s contribution as co-writer/composer of “Garaj Baras” Ali Azmat instantly nominated the song as a perfect choice for collaboration. The Coke Studio version of “Garaj Baras” played to audiences across the country and has since received a stunned and unanimously ecstatic response. Garaj Baras ala Coke Studio mesmerizes and is slated to receive a new lease on life at the level of the Eagles, “Hell Freezes Over” version of ‘Hotel California.

“Baalamaan” from Ali Azmat’s unreleased new album “Kalashinfolk” debuted on Coke Studio as the second fusion track. It was chosen as it has its roots in the Eastern classical raag ‘Aimen’ and is a characteristic example of Ali’s surprising musical, emotional repertoire. Naturally, Rahat had never heard the song before so Ali, acoustic guitar and musical acumen in hand, ran over it a few times with him. The rehearsal for “Baalamaan” may have been brief, however, it was obviously cogent as the final performance was scintillating. The two vocalists created the perfect complement to one another and enthralled audiences with their instinctive and fluid performance.

Ali Azmat going solo, but still highly unorthodox, with his big band take on “Deewana” was this weeks unique musical make-over on Coke Studio. The obvious enjoyment of the band, especially the Balochi percussion ensemble and backing vocalist Saba and Selina, is contagious and contributes to the mood created by Ali’s crooning, cajoling vocals.

Hugely popular with younger audiences Mauj front man and Coke Studio House Band guitarist Omran Shafique brought the eternally catchy “Paheliyan” to the floor The highly energetic Coke Studio version gets the adrenalin going and prepares listeners for the finale “Gullaan”. Again, from Ali Azmat’s unreleased second album the song is a frenetic, poetic satire of lyrics and sound - a challenging number to do live, “Gullaan” live on Coke Studio is a phenomenal high!

Coke Studio, the reinvention of our favourite songs, a project that pairs rockers and pop giants with eastern purists and puts a new spin on ‘fusion’ music, has finally arrived. Instep takes an inside look in the creation of Coke Studio through the eyes of Rohail Hyatt, the man behind this mammoth project.

Click here to read more

At 10:00 pm on the 8^th of June 2008, Coke Studio’s Episode 1 went on air.

Taking centre stage in an unparalleled media launch Coke Studio hit the airwaves in unprecedented style by playing on ten television channels and three radios channels simultaneously. This is the very first time in the history of entertainment media in Pakistan that a television show has so comprehensively dominated the airwaves.

In readiness for the anticipated demand for further information and audio/video downloads, Coke Studio’s presence on the Internet via this website supports and completes the cycle of communication by providing viewers with a forum to express their views and opinions.

The feedback to Coke Studio Episode 1 has been overwhelming and unanimously positive. We, at Coke Studio, wish to thank all of you who chose to write in with your praise and congratulations. Your response has been a heartwarming reward.

Enjoy and Experience the Coke Studio Website.