This season music lovers across the country saw and listened as individuals defined and redefined traditional and contemporary paths of music, enjoyed a diversity of musical styles achieving harmony in fusion, witnessed the bridging of barriers through equality, experienced the undeniable spiritual connectivity of music and with the finale, felt the unifying force of music and its power to bring individuals together.
The Coke Studio journey completed its run on the 14 of August, with a special 90-minute Independence Day Episode titled "Unity"
In episode five, Arieb Azhar brought Khwaja Ghulam Farid's powerful poetry to Coke Studio. This unique and gripping song, 'Husn-e-Haqiqi' featured on Arieb's first album, 'Wajj'. Translated as the 'beauty of truth', this spiritual anthem is compelling. As befitting the unorthodox chant-like musical structure of the song, the Coke Studio version is aptly simplistic - the visual treatment is also appropriately focussed, subtly enhancing the forceful impact of the lyrics and the skill and expressive, emotion of Arieb himself. 'Husn-e-Haqiqi' is simultaneously graceful, unrelenting and joyous.
The evergreen Strings brought back their signature elegance to Coke Studio for a second season with their song, 'Tiitliyan'. This melancholic number is from their latest album, 'Koi Aanay Wala Hai'. Violinist, Javed Iqbal brought a soothing dimension to the song, complementing the vocals of both Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia.
Zeb & Haniya returned with Javed Bashir to belt out their triumphant 'Rona Chor Diya' in style. This is yet another song from Zeb & Haniya's debut album 'Chup'. However, as with all the Coke Studio versions of Zeb & Haniya songs this one has also been transformed; Haniya is especially remarkable in Rona Chor Diya and shines brightly as both a powerful vocalist and a very impressive guitarist! In terms of vocal collaboration this song is breathtaking - Haniya takes centre stage with the lead, Zeb skillfully textures with harmonies and Javed Bashir 'adrenalizes' with his alaaps.
Noori's 'Kedaar' is a song that was composed exclusively for this platform by the brothers Ali Hamza and Ali Noor. 'Kedaar' means powerful and invincible and this song speaks of an awakening and a renewed awareness. "Coke Studio is one of the birth pangs for an awakening Pakistani conscience." Says Ali Hamza, which is particularly befitting given the context of the song Kedaar.
Shafqat Amanat Ali gave a new twist to the single 'Kuch Ajab Khail' off his debut solo album, 'Tabeer'. The song in itself is a vintage Patiala Gharana asthai, sung originally by Shafqat's father Ustad Amanat Ali Khan and uncle Ustad Fateh Ali Khan.
Ali Zafar ended his folk inspired Coke Studio season with 'Nahi Ray Nahi'. Moving to the keyboard for a different perspective, Ali Zafar maintains vocal integrity with easy style, while flautist Baqir Abbas brings his distinctive finesse to this poignant number.
Debuting on Coke Studio's "Unity" episode on Independence Day, 'Humain Kya Hua' by Atif Aslam has a distinct patriotic flavour. Written and composed by Atif Aslam, this song challenges our consciences, questions apathy and aims to incite unity. 'Humain kya Hua' is a rousing wake-up call, both musical and lyrical.
Coke Studio's five episode voyage played over 14 television channels and 5 radio stations all summer and the team that brought you both seasons look forward to announcing a third run of performances straight from the heart of Coke's live studio next year.
Humain Kya Hua - Atif Aslam
Husn E Haqiqi - Arieb Azhar
Kedaar - Noori
Kuch Ajab Khail - Shafqat Amanat Ali
Nahi Ray Nahi - Ali Zafar
Rona Chor Na - Zeb & Haniya and Javed Bashir
Titiliyaan - Strings
Mp3 songs download links:
Humain Kya Hua - Atif Aslam
Husn E Haqiqi - Arieb Azhar
Kedaar - Noori
Kuch Ajab Khail - Shafqat Amanat Ali
Nahi Ray Nahi - Ali Zafar
Rona Chor Na - Zeb & Haniya and Javed Bashir
Titiliyaan - Strings
To download music click on the songs name, then in the next window click "click here to start download", Enjoy.