Karachi: In the Pakistani music circle, Coke Studio holds the same reverence as the Olympics. Almost every time the games draw to a close, anticipation of the next edition grips followers around the world. With the production of the latest season having been wrapped up earlier this week, it was only a matter of time before the cat got out of the bag.
The eighth edition of the music show is set to feature a host of Pakistani music icons, such as Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam and Ali Azmat.
Many local names are expected to make their debut on the show this season. Pop star Ali Haider and ghazal maestro Ustad Hamid Ali Khan are among those gearing up for their first stint on the show. “Ali Haider will collaborate with another Coke Studio debutante Sara Raza for a duet of his song Jiya Kare,” said a source.
In a previous interview, Haider had confirmed his participation on the show, adding he’d sing three songs. Contrary to expectations, he wouldn’t sing his signature tracks Qarar and Purani Jeans.
Ali Haider won’t be the only one singing a duet as Ali Zafar, who will make a comeback on the show after five years, will perform a duet with Sara Haider in addition to singing an original composition. If news regarding the duet holds true, this wouldn’t be the first time a backing vocalist has graduated to main vocals on the show, with the Viccaji sisters being a case in point.
Over the course of eight years, Coke Studio has become famous for promoting new talent and this time around, Asim Azhar and Sur Kshetracontestant Nabeel Shaukat Ali will be part of the lineup.
Given the mixed response Strings received as producers last season while experimenting with new artists, the producers were forced to turn to some of former producer Rohail Hyatt’s favourite musicians, such as Ali Azmat, Umair Jaswal and Arif Lohar. “Ali Azmat is going to sing an original composition by the producers called Rangeela and Umair Jaswal would sing alongside Quratulain Balouch in Sammi Meri Waar,” revealed a source.
There had been news about classical singer Farida Khanum also making a debut on the show with multiple sources saying that she was going to sing Aaj Jane Ki Zid Na Karo but she was unable to. Other artists expected to feature on the show include Mekaal Hasan Band, Mai Dhai and Mulazim.
Bassist Khalid Khan, who bowed out of the upcoming season due to cervical pain, will be replaced by Kamran ‘Mannu’ Zafar, who was part of the house-band during the Rohail-Hyatt years. When approached to confirm the line-up for Coke Studio 8, co-producer Bilal Maqsood reserved his comments.
According to sources, the show is expected to go on air between Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha this year, most likely on August 16.
Artists to look forward to:
– Ustad Nafees Ahmed Khan
– Ustad Hamid Ali Khan
– Mai Dhai
– Arif Lohar
– Ali Azmat
– Ali Haider
– Atif Aslam
– Ali Zafar
– Mekaal Hasan Band
– Asim Azhar
– Nabeel Shaukat Ali
– Quratulain Balouch (QB)
– Umair Jaswal
Songs to watch out for:
– Ali Azmat: Rangeela
– Ali Haider and Sara Raza: Jiya Kare
– Ali Zafar and Sara Haider: Ae Dil Kissi Ki Yaad Mein
– Arif Lohar: Rang Jindri
– Nabeel Shaukat Ali: Bewajah
– Umair Jaswal and QB: Sammi Meri Waar
– Hamid Ali Khan: Piya Dekhan Ko
