LAHORE – ‘Coke studio’ has been a wonderful music platform which has been upbringing many talented artists of Pakistan during the past few years. This music program has completed a decade of producing best music and remixes of classic hits of the country. Coke Studio 11, This year’s show first episode had mixed feedback and also initiated for the first time of bringing up the transgender singers on television. The first episode included Shikwa/Jawab-e-Shikwa getting the most praise, even though Main Irada .’Baalkada‘ was sung by transgender singers and it got appreciation and likes by the audience. The second episode released of the 11th season consisted of 4 new tracks which included vocals by Ali Hamza and Zohaib Kazi. Coke studio not only provides music but also focuses on the political and social issues of the country. They try to highlight the problems faced by the people which sometimes results in neglecting the music quality. 1# ‘Ghoom Charakhra’ by Abida Parveen and Ali Azmat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FvMSp4BoL4 Episode 2 started with the duet of Abida Parveen and Ali Azmat titled as Ghoom Charakhra. We felt pleasing listening to his title as both the artists had added their best to the beats with their sound and vocals. 2# ‘Rasha Mama’ by Zarsanga, Gul Panra and Khumariyaan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y93vs3XFl-0 Rasha Mama by Zarsanga, Gul Panra, and Khumariyaan is a traditional Pashto track which features an old and young Pashto singer together. The former starts the song with Khumariyaan’s signature rubab. They carry on until the three-minute mark. It is a good step by the Coke studio of promoting KPK’s culture. 3 # ‘Gaddiye’ by Asrar and Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRjhMv8tWyw The 3rd track, Gaddiye featuring Asrar and Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi is superb. The mastero Esakheli never dissapoints and is having magical voice and both the artist more artists into a composition that doesn’t work. Yet, despite its strengths, it is as forgettable as they come. 4# ‘Runaway’ by Krewella and Riaz, Ghulam Ali Qadri: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg7YCffmwuM
