Dust and rain, and rainbow

I wrote about Pakistani folk music before. Here comes a fusion of classical Pakistani folk and Sufi music with modern strings. I’m extremely sceptical when it comes to remixing classical folk with modern tunes but what is done at the Coke Studio below by Rohail Hyatt is so full of life, vibrant, refreshing and soul warming that I want to stand up and applaud, and applaud, and applaud…

The tracks below are in Seraiki, Sindhi, Punjabi and Urdu languages, featuring legendry Sufi kalam and folklore. Pakistani music is very diverse at its core, with heavy influences from South Asian, Central Asian, Turkish, Persian, Arab and modern western music especially American Rock resulting in a very distinct and signature sound.

Coke Studio prides itself on providing a musical platform which bridges barriers, celebrates diversity, encourages unity and instils a sense of Pakistani pride. Coke Studio is an inspired step by Coca-Cola for having created a platform where renowned as well as upcoming and less mainstream musicians from various genres can collaborate musically.

Mai Ni Main by Atif Aslam

Aik Alif by Noori & Saieen Zahoor

Aj Latha Naeeo by Javed Bashir

Toomba by Saieen Zahoor

And, this post wouldn’t be complete without a nice pop song by Zeb and Haniya.

Chup by Zeb & Haniya

Artists featured: Saieen Zahoor, Javed Bashir, Atif Aslam, Noori and the female duo Zebunnisa Bangash and Haniya Aslam.

Visit Coke Studio for more electrifying performances.