Shae Gill, Afusic explore love, heartbreak

Coke Studio Nu.WAV's latest release explores relationship complexities

KARACHI:

Coke Studio Nu.WAV has brought together Shae Gill and Afusic for its fifth release, Qasam, an experimental pop track that explores the emotional complexities of a relationship caught between love, hurt and uncertainty.

Produced and directed by Abdullah Kasumbi, the song combines electronic production with the traditional sound of the sarangi, played by Gul Khan. Written by Afusic, Qasam explores the struggle of holding on to a relationship despite emotional distance and the possibility of separation.

The track brings a different musical dimension to both performers. While Afusic retains his familiar rhythmic delivery, Shae Gill experiments with a vocal style that audiences have heard less frequently from her. Their contrasting voices add to the song's emotional character.

The accompanying music video takes a movement-led approach to storytelling, with choreography by Shams Mansur reflecting the changing dynamics between two people. Dancers appear connected by invisible strings, drawing closer and moving apart, while other sequences use movements resembling stitches to suggest a relationship repeatedly breaking and coming together.

Shot at Karachi's century-old Bristol Hotel, the video uses the building's ageing interiors, chandeliers and weathered surfaces to establish its visual atmosphere. Production designer Hammad Sohail also incorporates fading flowers and an untouched banquet table into the setting.

Another central image is the moth drawn towards a flame, inspired by the Sufi metaphor of shama and parwana. The symbolism reflects the attraction and emotional risks at the heart of the relationship.

Speaking about the release, Coke Studio Nu.WAV executive producer Kamal Khan said the song and video developed together under Kasumbi's creative direction, allowing the music, choreography and visual elements to form a unified world.

For Shae Gill, the release follows her breakthrough with Pasoori, alongside Ali Sethi, while Afusic returns to the platform after appearing on its opening track, Dil. His song Pal Pal also gained international attention, reaching the UK Official Asian Music Chart and Canada's Hot 100.

Shae Gill rose to prominence after her world-famous Punjabi-Urdu duet song "Pasoori" with Ali Sethi, in Coke Studio season 14. This song brought her immense popularity from around the world. She started her career as a cover-artist on Instagram in 2019. She mainly posted cover songs on Instagram.

Qasam is the fifth of six releases from Coke Studio Nu.WAV, following Dil, Rangeen, Maheya and Shabnam.