5 NESCAFÉ Basement covers we just can't get enough of

Over the past four seasons, the show nurtured and developed raw talent from all across Pakistan

KARACHI: It's NESCAFÉ Basement time! Finally.

The music platform is back with its fifth season and judging from the introductory song Jaanga Toh Parega at least, it will be a good one.


NESCAFÉ Basement is a platform that encourages youngsters to pursue their passion for music and pursue their dreams. Every season gives opportunities to emerging musicians from across the country.

With this raw talent, the producer of the show, Zulfiqar 'Xulfi' Jabbar Khan (EP, Call's main man) has managed to prove himself time and again. Over the past four seasons, the show has delivered some exquisite covers and original tracks that remain etched in our minds forever. So, before we delve into the upcoming season, let's take a trip down memory lane and check out the top five NESCAFÉ Basement songs to date. It's music at its very best.

1. 'Larger Than Life' by Keeray Makoray


You would expect the song would start with a funky tone from the the 1999 original but no. You're in for a surprise! While the Backstreet Boys song was quite different from their most of the boy band's quintessential pop numbers, NESCAFE Basement took it to another level by adding a rock flavour. Altamash Sever's high notes are on point and we love the different take on such a popular track. Hence, it takes the top spot on our list.

2. 'Dhol Bajay Ga' by Keeray Makoray


Let's be honest: there are very few artists who can match Meesha Shafi's raw vocals. But overload's Dhol Bajay Ga was covered quite well by NESCAFE Basement as a quirky dance number and Altamash once again did complete justice to the original.

3. 'Lari Adda' by Various Artists 


When you think of Sajjad Ali, you'd think of mellow tunes. However, this one-of-a-kind dance number from the singer garnered praises, as did Xulfi's take on it, which was bold but definitely well done.

Set in a qawwali setting, Lari Adda comprises of various artists and it's actually a pretty fun track to groove to. The song later transitions to instrumental hard rock and doesn't get boring for a second! You might be skeptical as to how qawwali and rock sound together but trust us, give Lari Adda a listen.

4. 'Love Me Again' by The All Girls Band


Now, this cover is definitely one of most popular ones from the show, if not the most popular one. And rightfully so. First: it is performed by an all girls band. And secondly: they're absolutely nailing this John Newman breakup track.

In fact, the NESCAFÉ Basement's cover of the song even won the English singer over, prompting him to tweet a link to it and calling it ‘dope.’ That's some serious brownie points!

5. 'Give Me Love' by Parizae Azhar Malik


Ed Sheeran does soulful music best and there's no denying it. But Parizae's cover of his romantic song Give Me Love won us over with the singer's unique voice. And let's not forget the Leo Twins' amazing violin in the background.

We wonder what NESCAFÉ Basement has in store for us this season! Can't wait to find out.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.