The term Fusion is the latest trend to have taken over the food industry in recent months. Gulab jamun cheesecake this, cronut that; food scientists across the world are stirring all kinds of experimental cuisines of late. The music industry isn’t too far away with a new set of experimental genres emerging regularly (Baba Sehgal, we’re looking at you). Every once in awhile though, these experiments create something beautiful and unique that ignite a movement. Coke Studio is one such experiment that took off in 2008 and has since been gracing our playlists with memorable renditions of popular tracks sung by exceptional artists.
#DSSCRecommends 7 Coke Studio tracks to add to your playlist this instant and get ‘em feelings bubbling.
Afreen Afreen by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Momina Mustehsan
With iconic Qawwali singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as the male lead, this rendition of his father’s 1996 classic maintains its original serenading nature. An unplugged track, its minimal acoustic elements enhance both the singers’ velvety vocals and leave you to sway to the song’s poetic and soothing tunes. Afreen Afreen leads our Coke Studio playlist hands down (of course we have a Coke Studio playlist!).
Known primarily for lending his soulful voice to popular Bollywood tracks, Atif Aslam pays homage to the popular Qawwali group the Sabri Brothers in this powerful rendition of their 1975 classic. Transitioning the listener into an experience as immersive as a live performance, his soothing vocals complimented by powerful Qawwali singers are sure to get your hands clapping in praise.
Laadki by Taniskha S, Kirtidan G, Rekha B
With 7-year old Tanishkha Sanghvi leading this beautiful conversation between a father and daughter, this track is sure to put a beaming smile across your face right from the beginning. The song celebrates the indescribable bond between a father and daughter, and her journey to adulthood. With eminent folk singer Kirtidan Gadhvi taking the male lead, the song’s sublime vocals leave you with a feeling of nostalgia and happiness.
Sawan Mein by Jasmine Sandlas and Divya Kumar
Moving beyond soul and folk, this track explores genres right from angsty rock to dubstep in this Sachin Jigar composition that talks about heartbreak, chaos, and rebellion. With the inclusion of elements such as dhol, tabla, guitar, and drums, Sachin has skilfully combined contrasting sounds to create this foot tapping masterpiece.
Jagao Mere Des Ko by A.R. Rahman, Suchi, Blaaze
Featuring lyrical all-stars such as musical maestro A.R. Rahman on the male vocals and based on its Bengali lyrics by Rabindranath Tagore, this composition fuses a funky guitar tune with a carnatic inspired rhythm section, complimented by the powerful vocals of Suchi and Blaaze. Recorded initially for Independence Day in 2013, this track has taken its rightful place in the playlists of Coke Studio aficionados all over.
Kattey by Bhanvari Devi and Hard Kaur
Every second of this Ram Sampath composition screams power as Bhanvari Devi’s powerful Rajasthani vocals are matched with Hard Kaur’s sharp rapping skills describing her life’s journey. Both singers embody the essence of freedom, rebellion, and belonging in their respective verses which are backed by contrasting but compatible tunes. This one of a kind collaboration is sure to ignite the fire within you.
Madari by Vishal Dadlani and Sonu Kakkar
This upbeat track with a strong percussive arrangement showcases eclectic singer, composer, lyricist Vishal Dadlani on the male lead as he sings about being a servant to the almighty’s wishes. Popular singer Sonu Kakkar provides a soothing change in rhythm with her sublime vocals. Coming from a Sufi origin, this playful track combines Dadlani’s powerful vocals with a soulful tune and soft beats to leave you snapping your fingers to his every rhythm.
Got your own Coke Studio playlist to tap your feet to? Share it with us at editorial@dssc.co.
