Coke Studio-The Final Show down

August 1st saw the airing of Coke studio’s Final Episode : “Realisation”
Since the day also marks the countdown to Independence Day, it was no wonder that episode 5 followed the theme of patriotism and started with a cover of Madam Noor Jahan’s classic 60’s war song “AAe Wattan Kay Sajeelay Jawanon”


Amanat Ali Khan gave a very lackluster performance of Ae Wattan Kay Sajeelay Jawanon.
But no matter who sings it,the lyrics are so moving you cant help but feel good about your countrymen.Plus it is 1st august, when 14th is looming above your heads, you start liking the song even if it sounds like the ones you sang on the Defence Day Functions at school, with the school band providing the marching drum beats.
No credit for Amanat Ali here, he basically wasted two opportunities with a mediocrity that was Aisha and now this.



Next came the amazing Tina Sani with her rendition of Nawai Ne.
It was a blend of powerful vocals and various instruments.The very Folk inspired violin tune added to the song and the Flute provided the perfect buildup at the end of the song, merging well with Gumby’s drumming.


Sanam Marvi sang Manzil-e-Sufi.
A new find of Coke Studio, Sanam sings exceptionally well, even though her earlier rendition of Pritam wasn’t that great.She did show her talents in Huq-mujood and in Episode 5, does a pretty good job too.Although her voice came off hoarse in the beginning, overall the performance wasn’t bad.




Abida Parveen gave her third performance of this season with Soz-e-Ishq
She is the clear winner of this season. The true “living legend”.No matter how loud or horrible the house band plays, she does her job , holds her own ground and delivers!!
Simply Brilliant.



Rizwan and Muazzam performed Jana Jogi Dey Naal.
They sounded great and made you remember the great Ustad Nustrat Fateh Ali Khan.The song was full of energy ,and the different variations of vocals and sur they put in gelled well with the contemporary drums and guitar sound, fusion at its best!


Other than the performances,every singer of this season also gave their messages about their performances.Mostly they were about how they were showcasing unity through music and promoting Pakistan's Culture.


Even though Season three failed plenty of expectations, with too much hype and some very mediocre performances, it had its moments too.
Arif Lohar and Meesha’s collaboration of Alif Allah,Abida Parveen’s three amazing performances and Rizwan and Muazams qawalis provided magic for the ears this season.
And Tina Sani,Noori and Zeb and Haniya showed us what true composers can do. Noori's Hor ve Neevan ho and Zeb and Haniya's Bibi Sanam Janam was awesomely awwsome, best 'tunes' of the season.
While Amanat Ali, Karavan and E.P pretty much wasted their opportunity to showcase their songs.Meesha Shafi became a overnight sensation and ADP-Aunty Disco Project, (they have a very very loyal fan following in khi and lahore) have gained new fans too. Their Performance of Sultanat was fantastic!


PS:
Coke Studio over time has established it self as a platform of class and quality as far as contemporary and folk/cultural music goes. I think instead of just picking artists with illustrious backgrounds (mostly foreign desi returns), they should have a nation wide talent hunt not just from the major metropolis's of the country but at grass root level, to promote artist who would otherwise never get a chance and might end up being better then many being showcased on the show as 'young and upcoming talent'.

Coke Studio's Official Website.