Coke Studio 9 To Have 6 Producers Including Faakhir & Noori

[ghazi52]

Coke Studio 9 To Have 6 Producers Including Faakhir & Noori


Coke Studio is all set to go ahead and record the 9th season of Coke Studio since it made waves the first time it came out. However this time around, there will be six new producers collaborating as guests for each episode. Rohail Hyatt’s vision proved to be such a resounding success that it spurred other countries to follow the same format.

After Rohail Hyatt’s controversial desertion of the show, Strings took up the mammoth task of production and after coming up with a total of 57 songs they’re ready to launch a brand new season with six new producers who will also be collaborating as guests for every episode.

The guest producers include:

1. Faakhir
2. Shani Arshad
3. Shuja Haider
4. Noori
5. Shiraz Uppal
6. Jaffer Zaidi

The musicians and artists on the new season stand divided; some of them believe that Coke Studio has lost it’s initial charm and has been done to death. A few others believe that brining new producers on board will save the season from becoming drenched in monotony.

http://www.brandsynario.com/coke-studio-9-to-be-produced-by-various-musical-artists/

Gumby said, “The initial success of Coke Studio lay in the fact that we had an ensemble of producers joining forces. People like Asad Ahmed, Omran Shafique and I used to work in coordination.”

Atif Aslam commented, “I think monotony is creeping into its sound and it would be unfair to expect one producer to create different styles of music that appeal to all kinds of audiences.”

Farhad Humayun and Goher from Jal both have been part of the superhit series. Farhad said, “If you want my honest opinion, I really don’t care. I think the show has come to a saturation point. You cannot squeeze more out of it.But you see the same type of music is being regurgitated for years. It no more leaves an impression on you like it used to back in the day.”

Also, many feel strongly about the multi producer approach this season is employing. Faisal Rafi, a music producer said,“I think Coke should shut the show down and invest somewhere else.” He also said that this approach could be disastrous,“Producers are selfish people. They wouldn’t want others to share their limelight.”

Let’s wait and watch which of these opinions stand true and what kind of reception does Coke Studio Season 9 actually receive.

 

[ghazi52]

Revealed: Here's the artist line-up for 'Coke Studio 9'

‘Coke Studio 9’ lineup includes host of industry heavyweights, both old and new. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: A few months after Coke Studio 8 drew to a close, rumours were rife that producers Strings were mulling a format similar to that of the show’s Indian counterpart — Coke Studio @ MTV.

Weeks later, multiple sources confirmed that the show’s ninth edition would in fact be helmed by not one but six different producers, with Strings likely to assume the role of mentors.

Production for the upcoming season has wrapped up only recently and it was only a matter of time before the line-up was revealed. According to sources close to The Express Tribune, Coke Studio 9 is expected to feature a host of Pakistani musicians, offering a nice mix of both the old and the new. With over 30 artists in the show this year, one can easily say that the upcoming season will be Coke Studio’s grandest outing by far.

As reported earlier, Noori, Jaffer Zaidi, Shuja Haider, Shani Arshad, Shiraz Uppal and Faakhir will take charge as music producers. While the line-up is still subject to change, here’s a scoop on what each producer has to offer.

Noori

No strangers to the platform, rock band Noori are marking their third appearance on the show and the first since Rohail Hyatt’s departure. A member of the show’s production crew stated that the Noori-produced set list features Symt vocalist Haroon Shahid, Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch (QB), Call singer Junaid Khan, Momina Mustehsan and Zeb Bangash. Appearing in almost all their songs, Noori will themselves sing two, with one of them also featuring the mother of duo Ali Noor and Ali Hamza, Noor Zehra, playing the sagar veena. “The brothers [Ali Hamza and Ali Noor] have played the guitar on the songs they have produced and will be seen onscreen,” said a Coke Studio 9 featuring artist, requesting anonymity.

While Haroon will team up with QB, Junaid and Momina will also collaborate for their song. Zeb, on the other hand, is going to sing a solo track. Another featuring artist from Coke Studio 9, requesting anonymity, said, “Audiences would find Noori’s sound very similar to that of Strings from the previous season,” the artist added. The band’s drummer Kami Paul will take charge of the drums for all their tracks.

When approached, Noor refrained from commenting.

Jaffer Zaidi

The show’s long-standing house band member and Kaavish front man Jaffer Zaidi’s line-up includes four Coke Studio veterans — Ali Azmat, Javed Bashir, Sanam Marvi and Saieen Zahoor. Ali Khan of Saathiya fame is the only newcomer in Jaffer’s team.

In an earlier interview with The Express Tribune, Azmat had said, “I have received another call from Coke Studio to do a song for their upcoming season.”

A source said, “Ali Azmat and Javed Bashir are going to be featuring in a song together. The song will start off as a rock number and will lead into a qawwali by Javed Bashir.”

Both Sanam and Zahoor would be making a comeback to the show after a gap of three years. “Javed Bashir and Ali Khan are also going to be singing two solo tracks,” revealed a member of the production team. While Jaffer will play the piano on his tracks, unlike other producers, he will not be singing this season. The producer was not available for a comment.

Shuja Haider

Shuja Haider’s roster of musicians includes Meesha Shafi, Naeem Abbas Rufi, Momina Mustehsan, Umair Jaswal and Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Talking to The Express Tribune, Shuja had confirmed his participation in the upcoming season. Not willing to divulge details about his line-up or songs, he remarked, “Coke Studio 9 will be a real game-changer for Pakistani music.” While he will be seen playing the keyboard, Shuja will also sing one of his tracks.

Shani Arshad

One can say that Shani Arshad’s is one of the most diverse and star-studded line-ups this season. A heads-up for qawwali enthusiasts — Rahat and Amjad Sabri will sing a qawwali together for the first time ever. To top it off, the legendary Abida Parveen is also part of Shani’s line-up and so is upcoming singer Ali Sethi. Sara Haider would be featuring on a track being sung by a Nescafe Basement-singer and Shani will himself sing a duet with Meesha.

A source close to Shani revealed that the qawwali that has been produced by him was to be initially recorded by Jaffer. But Jaffer’s unavailability resulted in Shani stepping in as producer for the song.

Despite multiple attempts, Shani was not available for a comment.

Shiraz Uppal

Shiraz Uppal recently made headlines when it was revealed that he was the chief architect of season 8’s runaway hit Tajdar-e-Haram. Season 9 would mark Uppal’s debut as both singer and producer. His line-up includes Mehwish Hayat and Allah Tera Shukriya-singer Rafaqat Ali Khan; he will be singing duets alongside both.

On the other hand, Naseebo Lal and Umair Jaswal are also part of the line-up and have reportedly collaborated for a track. Spokesperson and husband of Naseebo Lal confirmed their participation on the show, saying, “We had an excellent time working with Shiraz Uppal sahab and have recorded two songs this season.”

“Two other singers Asif and Danish are also part of Shiraz’s team,” a source close to Shiraz said. While the producer will play the keyboard for his tracks, unlike other producers, he brought his own session players and did not utilise the services of the show’s house band. Shiraz too, was not available for a comment.

Faakhir

Coke Studio 9 also marks Faakhir’s debut on the show as both singer and producer. Artist’s featuring on the tracks produced by him include Zeb, Rahat and Lahore-based singer Damia Farooq. The former Awaz member will also be seen in a song alongside singer Natasha. The producer would also be doubling up as a keyboardist for his songs. He could not be reached for a comment.

Winds of change

As expected, Coke Studio 9 will see a more flexible approach in terms of session musicians and house band members. According to a source, “Most of the producers chose to have their own set of house band members.”

Seasoned Coke Studio guitarists Omran Shafique and Kamran ‘Mannu’ Zafar have played on five and 20 songs, respectively. Imran Akhoond and newcomer Mizmaar-guitarist Kashan Admani make up the rest of the department.

A notable absentee from this season is percussionist Sikandar Mufti. Drummer Ahad Nayani, on the other hand, has played for majority of the songs.

Another house band member to have been replaced is harmonium player Arsalan Ali. Nadeem will take his seat.

Among the backing vocalists, only Rachel Viccaji has managed to retain her position, with Shahab and Sounds of Kolachi-singer Nimra Rafiq replacing Sara and Momin Durrani.

List of Coke Studio 9 featuring artists:

1. Noor Zehra

2. Haroon (Symt)

3. Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch

4. Junaid Khan (Call)

5. Zeb Bangash

6. Ali Azmat

7. Javed Bashir

8. Sanam Marvi

9. Saieen Zahoor

10. Ali Khan

11. Sara Haider

12. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

13. Amjad Sabri

14. Abida Parveen

15. Ali Sethi

16. Naeem Abbas Rufi

17. Momina Mustehsan

18. Damia Farooq

19. Natasha

20. Rafaqat Ali Khan

21. Mehwish Hayat

22. Asif

23. Danish

24. Naseebo Lal

25. Umair Jaswal

26. Meesha Shafi

 

[Kao Boy]

Need more of Nescafe Basement episodes...

 

[Sipahi]

oye @Zibago yeh mehwish hayat ka episode kis date ko ana hai

 

[ghazi52]

Here's what Bollywood singer Shilpa Rao has to say about being part of Coke Studio


Bollywood playback singer Shilpa Rao, who is all set to make her Coke Studio debut in season 9, has nothing but nice things to say about her first experience across the border.

The multiple award-winning singer, who has hits such as Khuda Jaane (Bachna Ae Haseeon), Ishq Shava Jaan (Jab Tak Hai Jaan) and Meherbaan (Bang Bang) to her credit, is the first Indian artist to perform in the popular show.

Shilpa revealed that she was approached by the renowned band Noori, one of the producers of the upcoming season, to appear in season 9.

“I met Noori in Delhi for lunch at a common friends’ gathering,” said Shilpa.

“We hung out, sang songs together and that is when they asked me to come to Pakistan and sing for Coke Studio. I agreed – Ali took it very seriously and actually got me here to record the song. It’s basically musicians bonding with each other. One song can make you friends for life – that is the power of music,” she added.

Shilpa believes Coke Studio Pakistan is a very powerful medium. PHOTO: KHALEEJTIMES

Ali Hamza of the power duo also confirmed it saying, “We heard her (Shilpa) sing and just told her ‘you are coming to Lahore!'”.

Shilpa also praised the most-coveted musical platform of the country saying, “It (Coke Studio Pakistan) is a place where all the musicians are in an environment where they have their instruments, their space and the freedom to choose anything and convey it to the people in their own style; it’s very powerful.”

Further sharing her personal experience on the show, she said, “It’s an ideal situation to make music. It’s a great place and I am fortunate enough to be here. As a musician, to have a place where you can do whatever you want is great and I think very few people get this opportunity.”

With six producers and over 30 artists, Coke Studio season 9 is bound to be the biggest of all time.

 

[ghazi52]

Mehwish Hayat to make Coke Studio debut in season 9

The actor features in a song alongside music producer Shiraz Uppal.

KARACHI: Throughout its eight seasons, one aspect that has remained constant about Coke Studio is it’s female vocal powerhouses.

From Meesha Shafi and Fariha Pervez to Zeb Bangash and Sanam Marvi, most of the women appearing on the show have left listeners impressed.

While the experiment of having renowned actors-cum-musicians appear on the show as either featuring artists or background singers has yielded mixed results for both Rohail Hyatt and Strings, incoming producer for the show’s ninth edition, Shiraz Uppal, seems to continue with the tradition.

Actor-dancer Mehwish Hayat is set to grace the biggest music show of the country with her singing prowess.

Talking to The Express Tribune, a source close to Coke Studio 9 said, “Mehwish [Hayat] has featured in a track alongside Shiraz Uppal with the latter also serving as the producer.”

Another member of the show’s production crew stated, “Mehwish has done an impressive job as a singer as she was able to hold her own opposite Shiraz.”

This is not the first time that the actor has stepped inside the recording studio as she has previously recorded OSTs and theme songs for numerous television serials.

Some of her singles include Tell Me Why (Meri Behan Aya), Pani Barsa(Man Jali), Mujhse Ab Meri Mohabbat Ke Fasane Na Kaho(Talkhiyaan) and a duet with Fariha Pervez for the Mirat-ul-Uroostheme song, Har Saans Gawahi Deta Hai.

 

[iPhone]

Cool, can't wait. I love shiraz uppal's music. It's about time he made his coke studio debut. Now get Shahzad Roy to perform as well.

 

[SherDil]

Amjad Sabri

May his soul rest in peace, we will not be able to see him sing again.

oye @Zibago yeh mehwish hayat ka episode kis date ko ana hai

Will she sing???

 

[Sipahi]

May his soul rest in peace, we will not be able to see him sing again.


Will she sing???

Aho

 

[Ali.009]

Another round of copy cats is set to take place. Coke should promote originality if they are willing to spend some bucks, we don't want to see these dumb, over-used and unsuccessful singers rhyme thousand year old sufi songs. Coke studio has become a post-retirement hangout club for failed singers.

 

[ghazi52]

Slain Sufi singer Amjad Sabri to feature in Coke Studio Season 9

KARACHI: Season 9 of the signature fusion music platform Coke Studio will be remembered by fans for all time to come, as Amjad Sabri, who passed away tragically just a few days ago, will be seen performing in this Season.

In what is probably the last studio recording, Amjad Sabri together with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan read the qawwali, Aj Rang Hai.

With the duo of Bilal Maqsood & Faisal Kapadia of Strings as Executive Producers, the Season will bring together multiple music directors, delivering music of different genres will bring forth the talent of some of the most accomplished and major names of the industry including Noori, Shani Arshad, Jaffer Zaidi, Shiraz Uppal, Faakhir Mehmood and Shuja Haider.

Although Amjad Sabri did not feature in previous seasons of Coke Studio, Tajdar e Haram was performed in Season 8 last year by Atif Aslam, as a tribute to the original performers, Ghulam Farid Sabri and Maqbool Ahmed Sabri.

Amjad Sabri had also helped Coke Studio on this rendition.

The rendition gained worldwide fame with over 33 million views on digital media.

Speaking about his kalaam during the recording in May, the late Amjad Sabri had stated, “About 40 years ago, my father and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan read this kalaam at a dargah in Karachi and 40 years later, Rahat and I are reading it again (on Coke Studio Season 9).”

“Coke Studio is the ultimate manifestation of Coca-Cola’s music strategy and Season 9 will further strengthen Coca-Cola’s cultural leadership, celebrating diversity while bridging barriers relevant to the youth of today,” stated Rizwan U. Khan, General Manager of Coca-Cola Pakistan, and added, “It is very distressing that Amjad Sabri himself will not be with all of us to see Season 9 go on air in August. His death is a huge national loss.”

The vast talent on the music direction and production side will be matched in Season 9 by a dazzling array of artists, many of whom have performed in previous Coke Studio seasons, as well as several upcoming and talented singers performing for the first time in Coke Studio. While national icons who have performed previously include the likes of Abida Parveen, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sanam Marvi, Umair Jaswal, QB, Saieen Zahoor, Ali Azmat, Noori, Zeb Bangash, Faakhir and Meesha Shafi to name a few, the new artists include Shilpa Rao, Mehwish Hayat, Momina Mustehsan, Natasha Khan, Ali Khan, Rizwan Butt, Basit, Rachel Viccaji, Nirmal Roy and of course the maestro of qawwali, Amjad Sabri.

“We’ve always believed in collaborations because this is how the industry grows. After the monumental response of season 8, we decided to bring onboard 6 of Pakistan’s leading music directors to be a part of Coke Studio. Our vision since season 7 has been to involve more and more people from our music industry and make this platform a collective dream. When we presented the idea to Coca-Cola, they loved it and were fully supportive. It was a challenging task and our guidance was required throughout the process, but today we are extremely satisfied that we took this initiative.” Strings commented.

 

[SherDil]

Aho

Ay nawa chann charya ny.....

 

[ghazi52]

‘Saathiya’ singer Ali Khan wants to turn tables with ‘Coke Studio 9’

KARACHI: Following years of losing out on opportunities and not being in the limelight, singer Ali Khan of Saathiya fame is set to make a comeback in the upcoming Coke Studio 9.

Often called a one-hit wonder, the musician hopes to wow his doubters and prove them wrong with his return. “I want to reclaim my throne with my comeback,” he told The Express Tribune.

Last year, he almost signed for Coke Studio 8, following a meeting with co-producer Faisal Kapadia. However, soon after, reports about Ali’s music not being ‘Coke Studio type’ became the talk of town. Clarifying his position, Ali stated, “It’s not that they didn’t like my music but I believe the producers were more inclined toward Sufi music last season, whereas I produce pop music. I mean they liked my music, that’s why I am back now, isn’t it?”

Ali has high expectations from his involvement in Coke Studio and hopes the audience will appreciate his music. He feels his recent releases have pretty much gone unnoticed.

“The situation in Pakistan has been quite strange for the past few years. It would have been weird if I sang love songs amidst such tense situation,” added Ali, revealing he released some music online but it didn’t garner much attention.

In 2011, Ali returned with another hit, Koi Aye Na, for its namesake Bollywood film. Asked whether he plans to try his luck in Bollywood, he added, “There are plans to go back. I cannot say anything right now, but yes, I hope to work with Indian artists again.” Currently, he is working on a studio album which he hopes to release soon.

Meanwhile, the singer is working at a media channel, and producing music to keep his creative spark alive. He released two English songs through ISINA, a competition for musicians from across the world. One of the songs, Shamman Paiyan Tere Bina, which paid tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and British-Indian music producer Nitin Sawhney, ranked 7th on the worldwide charts on ISINA. His second singleMemories also received great appreciation.

Following the success of Saathiya, even though the young singer received his fair share of criticism regarding his voice and clichéd music video ideas, all eyes were on him. He caught attention of the fans and producers alike. Soon enough, Ali negotiated a three-album contract with Tips Music India, worth INR37.5 million. Eager to cash in on his potential and please a much wider audience, Ali began producing music for his albums.

But the 2008 Mumbai attacks changed everything. Even as things didn’t go as he wished, Ali remains quite optimistic for the future, now that it looks brighter than ever for the artist who wants to regain his former glory. “It has been a rollercoaster ride. I have already hit rock bottom, “quipped Ali. “Now the only way to go is up.”

 

[ghazi52]

Coke Studio's Independence Day special will leave you in tears

'Rahe Haq Ke Shaheedo' also features the late qawwal legend Amjad Sabri along with complete lineup.

As Independence Day is just around the corner, Coke Studio has uplifted patriotic spirits with it’s latest offering.

Rahe Haq Ke Shaheedo features the complete line up of seasoned and rising talents ready to take Season 9 by storm.

The soulful rendition pays tribute to those who sacrificed their todays for our tomorrows. And what makes it even more special is the late legendary qawwal Amjad Sabri is part of the tribute with his impeccable vocals.

Along with Sabri, Abida Parveen, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Naseebo Lal are among the big names who have also graced the song with their mesmerising vocals.

The much-anticipated season is ready to kick-off from August 13.

 

[Zibago]

oye @Zibago yeh mehwish hayat ka episode kis date ko ana hai

Dude if i knew that i wouldve booked my tv in advance
https://defence.pk/threads/mehwish-hayat-to-make-coke-studio-debut-in-season-9.434993/#post-8383220
https://defence.pk/threads/mehwish-hayat-ultimate-glam-diva-of-pakistani-entertainment.413218/
@django @Moonlight @The Sandman