‘Thagyan’ is a return to what 'Coke Studio' used to be, with a twist

Coke Studio has released its latest, Thagyan, featuring Zain Zohaib and Quratulain Balouch. The song is as groovy as they come, with a great vocal melody and catchy lyrics. It appears to be a return to what Coke Studio used to be, with a twist.

As per its press release, when Associate Music Producer Action Zain heard the demo of Thagyan, his first instinct was to peel the qawwali down to a minimal. Somewhere on that journey, the song called for an addition of humnawas, tablas and dholaks. “It feels really grounded to use tradition and familiarity as a launchpad to explore the unknown,” Action Zain said.

While the song still sounds like its missing some kind of traditional elements, it offers a beautiful collision of harmonies. Thagyan seems to be bringing back the sound Coke Studio’s previous seasons with surging synths, a horn section and hi-hats from a place far outside the genre. Neon lights cut through incense fumes and shadows, giving a neo-noir feel to the video. And then there’s the message.

Thagyan is a protest song, it raises an objection against the tricky nature of love. This year’s CS producer and curator Xulfi, acknowledged that Coke Studio’s qawwalis are its most prized possessions, but wanted a youthful interpretation of the genre.

Thus, it took Zain Zohaib a month to pen down Thagyan’s lyrics and compose its melody, one that can meet everyone’s requirements and blow a gust of fresh air into the canon. The qawwals open with a strong complaint to a person that consumes their thoughts. In response, Quratulain Balouch casts a spell, with her own gripe about how trust is fleeting. These young performers show an incredible grasp on their craft. Zain Zohaib and QB’s sandpapery vocals make Thagyan come to life.

Suspended somewhere between heaven and earth, Thagyan says there is pleasure in the sorrows of this dimension. The track fits Coke Studio like a glove. The crew isn’t trying to reinvent the genre, they’re enjoying it. There’s clearly a party in the courtyard. Director Kamal Khan and Production Designer Hashim Ali have added a funk to the air, a magenta wash of light, and flowers blooming underfoot, making the performance slinky and fun.

Everyone grumbles about being whipped in love, but Thagyan is a reminder that that’s what keeps things interesting.

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