Coke Studio

The first time I knew coke studio existed was last year. I was sitting in the library during exams 'youtubing'. I came across a video of Ali Azmat and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. I knew instantly this would be something out of this world. And yes it was. One of the strongest vocals I have ever heard coming together to create extraordinary music. I googled coke studio and found their own website and realised what a massive project this was.
Now I am proud to say that I am a huge fan and a regular follower of the music produced by coke studio. For students abroad youtube is a great way to transport this brilliance. We are not only deprived of good Pakistani music but also distressed with daily news of bombs and terrorism. Coke studio comes as a distraction for us to appreciate the good in our country. The talent, the brilliance and the sophistication of our media.
At the same time coke studio tells the story of Pakistan. It brings together the 'yo' boys and girls of Lahore and Karachi with the rural classical singers showing the diversity that is Pakistan. Atif Aslam might wear a red tie on a casual shirt and Noori would be wearing labeled jackets but the classical maestros sit on the floor with their harmoniums, or in Saaen Zahoors case wear turbans and traditional outfits. Its not so much a class difference that is being shown, in fact its a cultural contrast.
The best thing about this show is that I can watch it with family without any of us getting bored. My dad gets glued to the music each time the sufi bits start and I keep humming along with an Atif or a Noori vocal.
Every singer in this show is trying to out-do themselves because they know they have one shot. They also know that in a short time they have to create something memorable. I saw this in Atif's performance in 'Jal Pari' and 'Kinara'. That boy sang his heart out. I was never an Atif fan mostly because I thought his voice was squeaky and one dimensional. But after his performance at Coke Studio I was awestruck. Besides, being a part of the best production house, the best producer, best drummer,guitarist,pianist,violinist,classical singer and sound quality he knows expectations are running high.
Coke studio has done what noone was able to do. Break the egos of superstar singers and bring them together with the forgotten classical musicians. I had never heard of Riaz Ali Khan or heard Saeen Zahoor's music even though I knew he existed. Upon googling their biographies I realised how popular they are however because they dont have that sort of media exposure, they have a low profile. But this forum has made my generation aware of the talent and musical genius that exists other than Jal, Roxen, Josh etc. It has given these people recognition and respect they deserve from our nation because now they are recognized in every households.
Also what I love about Coke Studio is that the set is such that every individual music contributor is visible to the audience and we see the talent and hard work put in by the whole team. I was touched by the person beautifully playing the Violen, mutka's and dhol because they are never in videos or concerts. Only guitarists, drummers and pianists get the limelight.
In conclusion, Coke Studio has come as a breath of fresh air. Everytime I think "oh they must have ran out of singer combinations" I am totally left speechless at the next combo. If I had to pick a favorite, I would say Noori and Saaen Zahoor's "Eik Alif", Atif's "Jal Pari" and "Kinara".
I can't wait to see whats coming up next!