'Love turns into suspicion' in 'Shabnam'

Love, doubt and suspicion take centre stage in 'Shabnam', the latest release from Coke Studio Nu.WAV, featuring Maanu and Zoha Waseem and produced by Talal Qureshi. Released on October 18, the track explores how two people can experience the same relationship in entirely different ways, with neither perspective fully resolving the tension between them.

The song began as an unfinished collaboration between Talal Qureshi and Maanu before Zoha joined the project. Named after morning dew, which disappears before it can be held onto, 'Shabnam' reflects the fleeting and uncertain nature of relationships. Maanu approaches the song with suspicion and unanswered questions, while Zoha offers a perspective of her own, creating a musical exchange that remains deliberately unresolved.

The accompanying music video, directed by Fida Moin, extends this uncertainty into a surreal domestic setting. Everyday objects and familiar gestures take on exaggerated meanings through Maanu's perspective, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. The unease eventually spills into a birthday gathering that descends into chaos, while Qureshi appears as a DJ who arrives at a party only to find himself in the middle of a household consumed by suspicion.

The visual world draws on Brutalism and German Expressionism, with production design and art direction by Tanya Mirza. Concrete structures, cool grey tones, imposing interiors and carefully arranged objects create a setting that feels recognisable yet uncomfortable.

Speaking about the track, Coke Studio Nu.WAV Executive Producer Kamal Khan said the tension between the characters was present from the beginning. He noted that the collaboration evolved into two people telling different versions of the same story, with Moin's direction balancing humour and strangeness against the underlying paranoia.

The release also brings together artists with distinct musical backgrounds. Maanu has built a presence in Pakistan's indie, pop and hip-hop scene through projects including Melancholic, Khwaab and Thikaana. His appearance alongside Annural Khalid on Coke Studio Season 15's 'Jhol' brought him wider recognition.

Zoha Waseem, meanwhile, combines classical and ghazal influences with contemporary pop. She first attracted attention through performances honouring Madam Noor Jehan at Alhamra in Lahore before reaching wider digital audiences with releases including 'Majboor'.

Qureshi, a prominent figure in Pakistan's electronic music scene, has previously produced Coke Studio's Season 14 track 'Peechay Hutt', alongside projects including 'AAG' and TURBO.

Written by Maanu and Zoha Waseem, 'Shabnam' is co-produced by Maanu, with the arrangement shared by Maanu and Qureshi. The release is the fourth of six songs planned for Coke Studio Nu.WAV, following 'Dil', 'Rangeen' and 'Maheya', with two further releases expected in the coming weeks.