Is Nescafé Basement's 'Piya Re' a better NFAK rendition than 'Afreen Afreen'?

Who are you rooting for?

Nescafé Basement season five brought in the big guns in their latest episode.

After their rendition of Haroon's 2000's hit Mehbooba garnered positive reviews from fans and critics alike, Xulfi, the brains behind the show, rolled out his latest rendition and it's a big one! This time, Nescafé Basement has  re-imagined Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's Piya Re and might we say, they did a spectacular job!

"This is Piya Re, re-imagined," the show explained about the new version. "Originally performed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, it’s an evergreen melody that’s versed in the magic that a loved one’s longing casts on us. This re-imagination delves deeper into the song’s meaning to give you an experience that’s going to enchant your every sense."

The rendition has been sung by Jahangir Niazi. Speaking of NFAK, remember when Coke Studio unveiled Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Momina Mustehsan's Afreen Afreen back in season nine? While many suggested how the classic should've been left alone, others commented how it sounded like a Bollywood song.

With Piya Re, Nescafé Basement managed to do what Coke Studio could not. The band has maintained the essence of the original and still worked around it, giving it a refreshing feel. However, Coke Studio's Afreen Afreen had new lyrics introduced to it.

People are loving Nescafé Basement's rendition of Piya Re. "Friendship ended with Coke Studio, Nescafé Basement is my new best friend. Great job by Zulfiqar Ali Khan and team," a user wrote.

Friendship ended with @cokestudio , #nescafebasement is my new best friend, great job by @zulfiqarjkhan and team.@NESCAFEPakistan

— Vehla Qalandar (@vehla_AF) February 19, 2019

"Piya Re is my new obsession," said another one.

https://twitter.com/___sheikhhhh/status/1099325642070519808

"Never followed Nescafé Basement till now, in it's fifth season. I must say, the music is totally awesome and the talent being introduced is amazing to say the least. Good job!" penned one.

https://twitter.com/adnan73_siddiqi/status/1099676325311336449

"What a beautiful remake of Piya Re by Nescafé Basement! Beautiful voice, superb music. Good job, Xulfi sir," commented another on the video of the song.

What a beautiful remake of Piya Re by #NescafeBasement Beautiful voice, superb music. Good job, @zulfiqarjkhan sir. 😍👏

— The Tortured Artist🎸 (@_Qureshi09) February 24, 2019

"Another masterclass by the genius Xulfi... Piya Re is so beautifully put together, Jehangir Niazi made it his own, subtle yet powerful. Nescafe Basement continues to amaze and entertain," lauded one user.

Another masterclass by the genius #Xulfi - "Piya Re" is so beautifully put together, Jehangir Niazi made it his own, subtle yet powerful #NescafeBasement continues to amaze and entertain

— Danish Anis Shaikh (@DanishAnisShaik) February 25, 2019

Anyway, here are both the songs! You can be the judge:

Piya Re, Nescafe Basement:


Afreen Afreen, Coke Studio:


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