‘Coke Studio 11’ episode 9: The highs and lows of the season

‘Aurangzeb’ rules as Ahad Raza Mir fails to impress with ‘Ko Ko Korina’

KARACHI: While Coke Studio delivered a false climax to its journey last week, the grand finale offered the best and the worst of the season. Here’s a lowdown of the artists that wrapped up the season with their offerings.

Strings bid farewell to Coke Studio on a good note

‘Ko Ko Korina’ by Ahad Raza Mir and Momina Mustehsan


One wonders why they saved Mir’s singing debut for the last episode. One also wonders why they included him in the first place. Did Coke Studio intend on introducing a new star pair like they did with Daniyal Zafar and Mustehsan last year?

The funky instrumentation and Mustehsan’s energy try to salvage the song is evident but at this point, the classic has already been ruined. The issue is that this latest outing will go viral for all the wrong reasons. Producers Ali Hamza and Zohaib Kazi have helped the Sound of the Nation hit a new low. If the pattern continues, we might see Sahir Lodhi and Shahroz Sabzwari croon Humpty Dumpty Sat On A Wall in their Coke Studio debut next season.

‘Aurangzeb’ by Mughal-e-Funk


It’s head-scratching how this season has offered the absolute lowest standard of music and at the same time, delivered some memorable performances. This episode offers both. If Ko Ko Korina was an example of the former, Aurangzeb is of the latter.

Mughal-e-Funk presents a soulful instrumental rendition with sitar riffs leading the composition, supported by harmonium, drum and tabla beats. With minimal use of vocals, the folk-rock composition relies on repetitive riffs which create an ambient sound. Aurangzeb is easily a season classic. Not that the bar was high at all, but Mughal-e-Funk definitely rises above and beyond the season’s standard.

‘Dildar Sadqay’ by Jawad Ahmad and Elizabeth Rai


Ahmad returns to the platform to close season 11. If all that preceded this was a buildup, Dildar Sadqay doesn’t sound too exciting. If we ignore the speed bumps in all the seasons, it comes as a feel-good offering to end the installment on an upbeat note.

There are no gimmicks involved here; just some plain and simple Punjabi flavour. And, it works. The dholak and the strings section provide an apt support to Ahmad’s signature Punjabi groove and Rai’s melodious vocals. The result is a high-energy, foot-tapping jam.

‘Coke Studio’ unveils Ali Hamza, Zohaib Kazi as producers for season 11

Last week, Coke Studio had confirmed that the show has come to an end with episode eight. The Express Tribune later received a clarification that the show will end with episode nine. The error has been regretted.

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