Sip in flip: Sound of the Nation

Coke Studio-Sound of the Nation preserves a glorious cultural history in its technicolour pages.

The Coke Studio-Sound of the Nation coffee table book is exactly like its episodes — an excellently designed, conceived and crafted combination of visual art and script. The intentionally blurred image of the Coke Studio setting on the front cover sets the mood for the visual treat that is to follow and the contrasting image of Daniyal Hyatt, Rohail’s son, on the back cover is perhaps an indication of the impending takeover of the venture’s legacy. Although quite attractive, the book’s appeal cannot be limited to its cover image; it is the overall feel, detail to texture and an engaging write-up that gets you sipping and flipping through this well-executed initiative.

Written by Arsalanul Haq with Tanya Mirza-Ashraf as the editor and Ambreen Dar looking after the layout and art direction, the book kicks off with a very profound foreword by Raza Kazim, an activist and patron of arts. He sheds light on the philosophy behind the subcontinent’s music and Coke Studio’s contribution to it.



The core of the book is divided into the rhythms, harmony, texture, language and melody of Pakistan. It is no ordinary documentation of the sounds of this soil, but a rather in-depth overview of how music and culture has and will continue to play a crucial role in rebranding Pakistan in current times. Much like any seminal, modern-day documentation on culture, this book advocates diversity and pluralism through its visuals and pertinent text, making it one of its greatest achievements.

“For any nation to stride ahead, it must be in complete harmony with its diversity. Harmony comes from the synthesis of all homogeneous and heterogeneous elements such that they co-exist in the larger scheme of things,” the book states. As a tool for cultural change it is perhaps an ideal gift for visiting dignitaries.



To add to its overall appeal, is the artwork; an effective arrangement of images that blend well in the background with the text and render the book irresistibly charming. In this regard Nazia Akram and Summaiya Jillani’s creation, titled Divine/Acrylics on Dastarkhuan (2013), deserve a special mention. The former shows the Coca Cola logo dissolving in the backdrop of a local tyre shop with a pair of eyes staring at you, placed strategically in the middle of a tyre. The latter, on the other hand, smoothly meshes the patterns reminiscent of the traditional truck art, often seen on prayer mats, against the background of a rather symmetrical cross with two fingers joining in the centre. With bright colours and a balanced composition, Jillani’s sublime presentation is certain to win readers over.

Coke Studio-Sound of the Nation is perhaps one of the most fulfilling reads and will make you reconnect with your soulful side. Although a touch heavier for some to handle, it is nevertheless the perfect book to have on your coffee table.

Rafay Mahmood is an Arts and culture reporter for The Express Tribune. He tweets @Rafay_mahmood 

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, November 24^th, 2013.