Coke Studio Pakistan season 9
{{Short description|Ninth television season of Coke Studio}}
{{Use Pakistani English|date=March 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox television season
| season_number = 9
| image = Coke Studio season 9 logo.png
| bgcolour = #0A99FF
| starring = Featured Artists
| network = Webcast
| first_aired = {{start date|2016|8|13|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{end date|2016|9|24|df=y}}
| num_episodes = 7
| episode_list = List of Coke Studio Pakistan episodes
}}
The ninth season of the Pakistani music television series Coke Studio Pakistan commenced airing in Pakistan on 13 August 2016, concluded on 24 September 2016 and contained seven episodes. Season 9 aired Fridays (digitally) and Saturdays (televised), on various timings and channels across the country.
The Strings and Coca-Cola returned as an executive producers, while for the first time in series history, season was composed by six music directors, namely Noori, Shani Arshad, Jaffer Zaidi, Faakhir Mehmood, Shiraz Uppal, and Shuja Haider under the supervision of Strings.{{cite news |last=Raj |first=Ali |last2=Ansari |first2=Hasan |date=24 December 2015 |title=With strings attached: Multiple producers to helm Coke Studio 9 |language=en-US |newspaper=The Express Tribune |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1015854/with-strings-attached-multiple-producers-to-helm-coke-studio-9 |access-date=27 May 2016}} Qawwali singer Amjad Sabri marked his debut and final appearance with this season shortly before his assassination on 22 June 2016.{{cite news |last=Ansari |first=Hassan |date=24 June 2016 |title=Amjad Sabri's Coke Studio debut: The legendary qawwal's parting gift |newspaper=The Express Tribune |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1128811/amjad-sabris-coke-studio-debut-legendary-qawwals-parting-gift |access-date=25 June 2016}}{{Cite web |last= |title=The late Amjad Sabri to make Coke Studio debut this year |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=The News International |language=en}}
Artists
= Featured artists =
Following is the list of forty-one featured artists line-up, including this years' five of six music directors, that performed as individuals, duos and with chorus:{{cite web |title=Coke Studio 9 artists list revealed |url=http://www.thenewsteller.com/showbiz/coke-studio-9-artists-list-revealed/37763/ |publisher=The News Teller |date=17 June 2016 |access-date=25 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618151158/http://www.thenewsteller.com/showbiz/coke-studio-9-artists-list-revealed/37763/|archive-date=18 June 2016|url-status=dead}}
{{div col|colwidth=21em}}
- Abida Parveen
- Ahmed Jahanzeb
- Ali Azmat
- Ali Khan
- Ali Sethi
- Amjad Sabri
- Asim Azhar
- Basit Ali
- Damia Farooq
- Faakhir Mehmood
- Haroon Shahid
- Jabar Abbas
- Jaffer Zaidi
- Javed Bashir
- Junaid Khan
- Kashif Ali
- Masuma Anwar
- Meesha Shafi
- Mehwish Hayat
- Mohsin Abbas Haider
- Momina Mustehsan
- Naeem Abbas Rufi
- Naseebo Lal
- Natasha Khan
- Nirmal Roy
- Noor Zehra
- Noori
- Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch
- Rachel Viccaji
- Rafaqat Ali Khan
- Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
- Rizwan Butt
- Saieen Zahoor
- Sanam Marvi
- Sara Haider
- Shahzad Nawaz
- Shani Arshad
- Shilpa Rao
- Shiraz Uppal
- Shuja Haider
- Umair Jaswal
- Zebunnisa Bangash
{{colend}}
{{refbegin|}}Note: Shahzad Nawaz is the only featured artist who served as a narrator.{{refend}}
=Music directors=
Following is the listing of artists that were assigned one of each, six music directors who composed, wrote and rendered songs with them, under Strings' supervision.
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:100%;"
|+ |
| scope="col" style="width:16%;"| Music directors
! scope="col" style="width:84%;" colspan="8"| Artists |
|---|
| rowspan="3"| Noori
| colspan="5" style="background:#555;"| |
| width="14%" | Zebunnisa Bangash
| width="14%" | Haroon Shahid | width="14%" | Quratulain Balouch | width="14%" | Shilpa Rao | width="14%" | Junaid Khan |
| width="14%" | Momina Mustehsan
| width="14%" | Itself | style="background:#ccc;" colspan="3"| |
| rowspan="3"| Shani Arshad
| colspan="5" style="background:#555;"| | |
| width="14%" | Meesha Shafi
| width="14%" | Abida Parveen | width="14%" | Rahat Fateh Ali Khan | width="14%" | Rizwan Butt | width="14%" | Sara Haider |
| width="14%" | Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
| width="14%" | Amjad Sabri | width="14%" | Himself | style="background:#ccc;" colspan="2"| |
| rowspan="3"| Shiraz Uppal
| colspan="5" style="background:#555;"| |
| width="14%" | Naseebo Lal
| width="14%" | Umair Jaswal | width="14%" | Mehwish Hayat | width="14%" | Jabar Abbas | width="14%" | Nirmal Roy |
| width="14%" | Rachel Viccaji
| width="14%" | Kashif Ali | width="14%" | Rafaqat Ali Khan | width="14%" | Himself | style="background:#ccc;" colspan="1"| |
| rowspan="3"| Jaffer Zaidi
| colspan="5" style="background:#555;"| |
| width="14%" | Ali Khan
| width="14%" | Ali Azmat | width="14%" | Javed Bashir | width="14%" | Mohsin Abbas Haider | width="14%" | Saeen Zahoor |
| width="14%" | Sanam Marvi
| style="background:#ccc;" colspan="4"| |
| rowspan="3"| Shuja Haider
| colspan="5" style="background:#555;"| |
| width="14%" | Abida Parveen
| width="14%" | Ali Sethi | width="14%" | Ahmed Jahanzeb | width="14%" | Umair Jaswal | width="14%" | Naeem Abbas Rufi |
| width="14%" | Meesha Shafi
| width="14%" | Asim Azhar | width="14%" | Momina Mustehsan | width="14%" | Quratulain Balouch | width="14%" | Himself |
| rowspan="3"| Faakhir Mehmood
| colspan="5" style="background:#555;"| |
| width="14%" | Momina Mustehsan
| width="14%" | Rahat Fateh Ali Khan | width="14%" | Zebunnisa Bangash | width="14%" | Javed Bashir | width="14%" | Masuma Anwar |
| width="14%" | Shahzad Nawaz
| width="14%" | Basit Ali | width="14%" | Damia Farooq | width="14%" |Natasha Khan (Pakistani Singer) | width="14%" | Himself |
| style="font-size:90%; line-height:12px;" colspan="7" |{{nobold|Note: Above mention artists in each producer team may subject to a change, if any change occur. Except Zaidi, each music director also debut as a featured artist.}} |
= Musicians =
Following is the three backing vocalists that serves as a vocal harmony with the lead vocalist. Among them Nimra and Shahab marked their debut while Rachel returns, both as a backing vocalist and a featured artist for the second time.{{cite web |title=Coke Studio season 9 backing vocalists, newbies Shahab Hussain and Nimra Rafiq and well-known Racheal Viccaji |url=http://www.cokestudio.com.pk/season9/rachel-viccaji.html?WT.cl=1&WT.mn=Artists%20-%20Rachel%20Viccaji |publisher=Coke Studio |date=1 August 2016 |access-date=9 August 2016}}
{{div col|colwidth=24em}}
| style="border-spacing: 6px; border: 0px;"
! style="color:black; width:24em; background:#0A99FF; text-align:center" |House Band |
| colspan="2" | |
| style="border-spacing: 6px; border: 0px;"
! style="color:black; width:24em; background:#0A99FF; text-align:center" |String Section |
colspan="2" |
|
| style="border-spacing: 6px; border: 0px;"
! style="color:black; width:24em; background:#0A99FF; text-align:center" |Backing Vocals |
colspan="2" |
|
| style="border-spacing: 6px; border: 0px;"
! style="color:black; width:24em; background:#0A99FF; text-align:center" |Guest Musicians |
| colspan="2" | |
Episodes
{{main|List of Coke Studio (Pakistan) episodes}}
=Initial promo songs=
On 3 August 2016, a rendition of Madam Noor Jehan's cult-classic song "Zalima Coca-Cola Pila Dey" as a tribute to her, was released with also revealing the premier date of season.{{cite web |title=Have you heard the original #ZaalimaCocaColaPilade song by Noor Jahan? |url=http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/lifestyle/have-you-heard-the-original-zaalimacocacolapilade-song-by-noor-jahan/ |first=Haider Ali |last=Sindhu |publisher=Daily Pakistan |date=5 August 2016 |access-date=7 August 2016}} It featured vocals by season 9's featured artists Meesha Shafi and Umair Jaswal.{{cite web |title=Zalima Coca Cola Pila De by Meesha Shafi and Umair Jaswal |url=http://ebuzz.pk/zalima-coca-cola-pila-de-by-meesha-shafi-and-umair-jaswal/ |publisher=ebuzz |date=4 August 2016 |access-date=7 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808153636/http://ebuzz.pk/zalima-coca-cola-pila-de-by-meesha-shafi-and-umair-jaswal/|archive-date=8 August 2016|url-status=dead}}
Following previous year format, at the 69th Independence Day of Pakistan, Coke Studio released another rendition of a song "Aye Rah-e-Haq Ke Shaheedo"{{dash}}a mili naghma (patriotic song) originally sung by Naseem Begum, on 6 August 2016.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2016-08-06 |title=This Coke Studio tribute to slain Pakistani heroes is bound to leave you in tears |url=http://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/873166 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Samaa TV |language=en}} The song opens with a dedicated monologue, voiceover by filmmaker Shahzad Nawaz. The song was also as a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the Partition of India for the creation of Pakistan and reads, "Dedicated to those who sacrificed their todays for our tomorrow".{{cite web |date=6 August 2016 |title=Coke Studio pays rich tribute to martyrs |url=https://arynews.tv/coke-studio-pays-tribute-to-martyrs/ |access-date=8 August 2016 |publisher=ARY News}} "Aye Rah-e-Haq Ke Shaheedo" featured all the artists that were scheduled to lined-up for this season. It was well received by critics.{{cite web |date=7 August 2016 |title=Amjad Sabri, Rahat Fateh, Abida Parveen kick-start Coke Studio 9 with an emotional tribute |url=http://images.dawn.com/news/1175988 |access-date=9 August 2016 |website=Dawn Images |publisher=}} Sharing their idea behind the song, the Coca-Cola team explained, "Coke Studio is all about bridging barriers and bringing people together through music. During this difficult period in our history, we wanted to unite the nation in recognition of all the heroes who have sacrificed their lives so that the rest of us can live in freedom. Together with Strings, we felt this song would be a beautiful tribute to them, and to their families and loved ones on behalf of our beloved country. Bringing together artists of all ages, cultures and geographies of Pakistan to perform this heartfelt rendition, originally sung by Naseem Begum, was our way of saying thank you."{{cite news |title=Coke Studio Pakistan emotional army tribute video goes viral |url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/music/coke-studio-pakistan-emotional-army-tribute-video-goes-viral |newspaper=Khaleej Times |date=7 August 2016 |access-date=9 August 2016}} The song was used in closing credits of television film Ek Thi Marium aired on Defense Day.{{cite web |last1=Khan |first1=Saira |title=Ek Thi Marium's trailer will leave you speechless |url=http://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1150531 |publisher=HIP |access-date=23 August 2016 |date=23 August 2016}}
=Episodes=
{{Episode table|background=#0A99FF|overall=1|forceoverall=1|title=|aux1=|director=|writer=|aux2=|airdate=|titleT=Title|aux1T=Artists(s)|directorT=Music Director|writerT=Lyricist(s)|aux2T=Language(s)|episodes={{Episode table/part|c=#0A99FF|subtitle=Season Opener}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Coke Studio (Pakistani TV series) season 9
| NumParts = 2
| EpisodeNumber2 = -
| Title_1 = Zalima Coca Cola Pila De
| Title_2 = Aye Rah-E-Haq Ke Shaheedo
| Aux1_1 = Meesha Shafi & Umair Jaswal
| Aux1_2 = Season's Vocalists
| DirectedBy_1 = Meesha Shafi & Umair Jaswal
| DirectedBy_2 = Strings
| WrittenBy_1 = Khawaja Pervaiz
| WrittenBy_2 = Mushir Kazmi
| Aux2_1 = Urdu
| Aux2_2 = Urdu
| OriginalAirDate_1 = {{Start date|2016|8|3}}{{Cite news |date=4 August 2016 |title='Zaalima Coca-Cola Pila De' takes the internet by storm but have you heard the original? |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1155673/zaalimacocacolapilade-takes-internet-storm-heard-original |access-date=19 April 2024 |work=The Express Tribune}}
| OriginalAirDate_2 = {{Start date|2016|8|5}}{{Cite news |date=8 August 2016 |title=Amjad Sabri, Rahat Fateh, Abida Parveen kick-start Coke Studio 9 with an emotional tribute |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1175988 |access-date=19 April 2024 |work=Dawn}}
}}
{{Episode table/part|c=#0A99FF|subtitle=Episode 1}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Coke Studio (Pakistani TV series) season 9
| NumParts = 4
| EpisodeNumber = 45
| Title_1 = Sasu Mangay
| Title_2 = Janay Na Tu
| Title_3 = Aja Re Moray Saiyaan
| Title_4 = Aaqa
| Aux1_1 = Naseebo Lal & Umair Jaswal
| Aux1_2 = Ali Khan
| Aux1_3 = Noori & Zeb Bangash
| Aux1_4 = Abida Parveen & Ali Sethi
| DirectedBy_1 = Shiraz Uppal
| DirectedBy_2 = Jaffer Zaidi
| DirectedBy_3 = Noori
| DirectedBy_4 = Shuja Haider
| WrittenBy_1 = Traditional Indian & Shakeel Sohail
| WrittenBy_2 = Ali Khan
| WrittenBy_3 = Zehra Nigah
| WrittenBy_4 = Khalid Mehmood Khalid, Salman Azmi & Waqas Siddiqui
| Aux2_2 = Urdu
| Aux2_3 = Urdu
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|8|12}}{{cite web |date=13 August 2016 |title=A Promising Start For Coke Studio 9 |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/142218-A-promising-start-for-Coke-Studio-9 |access-date=13 August 2016 |work=The News International |publisher=}}{{Cite news |last=Zahra Salah Uddin |date=14 August 2016 |title=Coke Studio review: Episode 1 saved by Zeb Bangash's lovely ballad |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1176047 |access-date=19 April 2024 |work=Dawn}}
}}
{{Episode table/part|c=#0A99FF|subtitle=Episode 2}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Coke Studio (Pakistani TV series) season 9
| NumParts = 4
| EpisodeNumber = 46
| Title_1 = Bholay Bhalay
| Title_2 = Afreen Afreen
| Title_3 = Baliye (Laung Gawacha)
| Title_4 = Man Kunto Maula
| Aux1_1 = Meesha Shafi
| Aux1_2 = Momina Mustehsan & Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
| Aux1_3 = Haroon Shahid & Quratulain Balouch
| Aux1_4 = Ali Azmat & Javed Bashir
| DirectedBy_1 = Shani Arshad
| DirectedBy_2 = Faakhir Mehmood
| DirectedBy_3 = Noori
| DirectedBy_4 = Jaffer Zaidi
| WrittenBy_1 = Sabir Zafar
| WrittenBy_2 = F K Khalish & Javed Akhtar
| WrittenBy_3 = Haroon Shahid & Khawaja Pervaiz
| WrittenBy_4 = Amir Khusrau & Sabir Zafar
| Aux2_1 = Urdu
| Aux2_2 = Urdu
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|8|19}}{{cite web |last=Hamdani |first=Fidak |date=22 August 2016 |title=Rahat's 'Afreen' gives Season 9 a much-needed boost |url=http://dailytimes.com.pk/life-and-style/23-Aug-16/rahats-afreen-gives-season-9-a-much-needed-boost |access-date=23 August 2016 |website=Daily Times |publisher=}}{{Cite news |last=Ali Raj |date=20 August 2016 |title=Coke Studio 9: The collaborations are not working out |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1166497/coke-studio-9-collaborations-not-working |access-date=19 April 2024 |work=The Express Tribune}}
}}
{{Episode table/part|c=#0A99FF|subtitle=Episode 3}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Coke Studio (Pakistani TV series) season 9
| NumParts = 4
| EpisodeNumber = 47
| Title_1 = Khaki Banda
| Title_2 = Dilruba Na Raazi
| Title_3 = Tu Hi Tu
| Title_4 = Maula-i Kull
| Aux1_1 = Ahmed Jahanzeb & Umair Jaswal
| Aux1_2 = Faakhir Mehmood & Zeb Bangash
| Aux1_3 = Mehwish Hayat & Shiraz Uppal
| Aux1_4 = Abida Parveen
| DirectedBy_1 = Shuja Haider
| DirectedBy_2 = Faakhir Mehmood
| DirectedBy_3 = Shiraz Uppal
| DirectedBy_4 = Shani Arshad
| WrittenBy_1 = Bulleh Shah & Shuja Haider
| WrittenBy_2 = Sabir Zafar & Zaland Khan Mohammadzai
| WrittenBy_3 = Shakeel Sohail
| WrittenBy_4 = Lal Shahbaz Qalandar & Sabir Zafar
| Aux2_3 = Urdu
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|8|26}} {{Cite web |last=Mahmood |first=Rafay |last2=Raj |first2=Ali |date=2016-08-27 |title=Coke Studio 9: Episode 3 belongs to Abida Parveen, Ahmed Jehanzeb |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1170957/coke-studio-9-episode-3-belongs-abida-parveen-ahmed-jehanzeb |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}
}}
{{Episode table/part|c=#0A99FF|subtitle=Episode 4}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Coke Studio (Pakistani TV series) season 9
| NumParts = 4
| EpisodeNumber = 48
| Title_1 = Uddi Ja
| Title_2 = Aaya Laariye
| Title_3 = Paar Chanaa De
| Title_4 = Ala Baali
| Aux1_1 = Mohsin Abbas Haider
| Aux1_2 = Meesha Shafi & Naeem Abbas Rufi
| Aux1_3 = Shilpa Rao & Noori
| Aux1_4 = Jabar Abbas & Nirmal Roy
| DirectedBy_1 = Jaffer Zaidi
| DirectedBy_2 = Shuja Haider
| DirectedBy_3 = Noori
| DirectedBy_4 = Shiraz Uppal
| WrittenBy_1 = Mohsin Abbas Haider
| WrittenBy_2 = Traditional Folk & Saeed Gilani
| WrittenBy_3 = Traditional Folk
| WrittenBy_4 = Shakeel Sohail
| Aux2_1 = Punjabi
| Aux2_2 = Punjabi
| Aux2_3 = Punjabi
| Aux2_4 = Arabic, Persian & Urdu
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|9|2}} {{Cite web |date=2016-09-03 |title=Shilpa Rao shines at Coke Studio Episode 4 |url=https://nation.com.pk/04-Sep-2016/shilpa-rao-shines-at-coke-studio-episode-4 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=The Nation |language=en}}
}}
{{Episode table/part|c=#0A99FF|subtitle=Episode 5}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Coke Studio (Pakistani TV series) season 9
| NumParts = 4
| EpisodeNumber = 49
| Title_1 = Main Raasta
| Title_2 = Shamaan Pai Gaiyaan/Kee Dam Da Bharosa
| Title_3 = Sadaa
| Title_4 = Jhalliya
| Aux1_1 = Junaid Khan & Momina Mustehsan
| Aux1_2 = Kashif Ali & Rachel Viccaji
| Aux1_3 = Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
| Aux1_4 = Javed Bashir, Masuma Anwar & Shahzad Nawaz
| DirectedBy_1 = Noori
| DirectedBy_2 = Shiraz Uppal
| DirectedBy_3 = Shani Arshad
| DirectedBy_4 = Faakhir Mehmood
| WrittenBy_1 = Junaid Khan & Momina Mustehsan
| WrittenBy_2 = Abdhulah Chili & Saeed Gilani
| WrittenBy_3 = Javed Ali Khan
| WrittenBy_4 = Bulleh Shah, Waris Shah, Sabir Zafar & Javed Bashir
| Aux2_1 = Urdu
| Aux2_2 = Punjabi
| Aux2_3 = Punjabi
| Aux2_4 = Braj, Punjabi & Urdu
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|9|9}}
}}
{{Episode table/part|c=#0A99FF|subtitle=Episode 6}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Coke Studio (Pakistani TV series) season 9
| NumParts = 4
| EpisodeNumber = 50
| Title_1 = Meri Meri
| Title_2 = Tera Woh Pyar (Nawazishein Karam)
| Title_3 = Anokha Laaḍla
| Title_4 = Lagi Bina / Chal Mele Noon Challiye
| Aux1_1 = Rizwan Butt & Sara Haider
| Aux1_2 = Asim Azhar & Momina Mustehsan
| Aux1_3 = Basit Ali & Damia Farooq
| Aux1_4 = Saieen Zahoor & Sanam Marvi
| DirectedBy_1 = Shani Arshad
| DirectedBy_2 = Shuja Haider
| DirectedBy_3 = Faakhir Mehmood
| DirectedBy_4 = Jaffer Zaidi
| WrittenBy_1 = Bulleh Shah
| WrittenBy_2 = Naqash Hyder
| WrittenBy_3 = Asad Muhammad Khan
| WrittenBy_4 = Waris Shah
| Aux2_1 = Punjabi
| Aux2_2 = Urdu
| Aux2_3 = Braj
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|9|16}}
}}
{{Episode table/part|c=#0A99FF|subtitle=Episode Season Finale}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Coke Studio (Pakistani TV series) season 9
| NumParts = 6
| EpisodeNumber = 51
| Title_1 = Sab Jag Soye
| Title_2 = Tu Kuja Man Kuja
| Title_3 = Nimma Nimma
| Title_4 = O Re
| Title_5 = Dil Kamla
| Title_6 = Rang
| Aux1_1 = Shuja Haider & Quratulain Balouch
| Aux1_2 = Rafaqat Ali Khan & Shiraz Uppal
| Aux1_3 = Shani Arshad
| Aux1_4 = Noori
| Aux1_5 = Natasha Khan & Faakhir Mehmood
| Aux1_6 = Amjad Sabri & Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
| DirectedBy_1 = Shuja Haider
| DirectedBy_2 = Shiraz Uppal
| DirectedBy_3 = Shani Arshad
| DirectedBy_4 = Noori
| DirectedBy_5 = Faakhir Mehmood
| DirectedBy_6 = Shani Arshad
| WrittenBy_1 = Musheer Kazmi, Farhan Saeed, Momina Mustehsan & Saad Sultan
| WrittenBy_2 = Muzaffar Warsi
| WrittenBy_3 = Sabir Zafar
| WrittenBy_4 = Traditional Folk & Sabir Zafar
| WrittenBy_5 = Noori
| WrittenBy_6 = Amir Khusrau
| Aux2_2 = Urdu
| Aux2_3 = Urdu
| Aux2_4 = Urdu
| Aux2_5 = Punjabi
| Aux2_6 = Braj, Punjabi & Urdu
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|9|23}}{{Cite news |last=Hasan Ansari |date=23 June 2016 |title=Amjad Sabri's Coke Studio debut: The legendary qawwal's parting gift |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1128811/amjad-sabris-coke-studio-debut-legendary-qawwals-parting-gift |access-date=19 April 2024 |work=The Express Tribune}}
}}}}
Production
=Format=
| class="toccolours" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 85%; background:#E5E4E2; color:black; width:30em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5"
| style="text-align: left;" | "From the very outset, when we came on board in Season 7, this had been our vision. Up till then, it had been one person, Rohail Hyatt's journey. We now wanted to transform it into a collective dream. We were working on something as special as Coke Studio and we couldn't be so selfish that we kept it all to ourselves. We took our initial steps in S7 when we brought in external musicians aside from the house band. Season 8 was an extension of this. With Season 9, Coke was initially against taking on external producers because they thought that they already had the perfect formula and didn't want any changes. But we insisted." |
| style="text-align: left;" | – Strings, on Format of show, 4 July 2016, Dawn News.{{cite web |last=Rehman |first=Maliha |date=4 July 2016 |title=Here's what to expect from Coke Studio 9 |url=http://images.dawn.com/news/1175744 |access-date=6 July 2016 |website=Dawn Images |publisher=}} |
For the first time in series history, each episode of season was composed and produced by six music directors – Shani Arshad, Noori, Shiraz Uppal, Faakhir Mehmood, Shuja Haider, and Jaffer Zaidi.{{Cite web |last=Ansari |first=Hasan |date=2016-06-16 |title=Revealed: Here's the artist line-up for 'Coke Studio 9' |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1124117/revealed-heres-artist-line-coke-studio-9 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}} While Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia served as executive producers and show runners for season along with Coca-Cola.
For this particular season, all the lined-up artists were selected by assigned music director/producer of each episode for their team with the final approval of Strings, whereas the songs' lyrics and compositions were done by producers. Performers were mutually selected by each producer and Strings, who would perform them. Season 9 featured mostly original songs.{{cite web |last=Khan |first=Manal |date=10 June 2016 |title=The great gamble |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/136722-The-great-gamble |access-date=8 August 2016 |website=The News International |publisher=}}
The format of the show was initially planned to be instilled when Strings held the reins of show. However, the duo wanted to stay with the original format and started making changes in season 7 and season 8, bringing new artists and more original songs. The format would not be adapted in next seasons of series.
In an interview with Samaa, Strings said, "We've always believed in collaborations because this is how the industry grows. After the monumental response of season 8, we decided to bring onboard 6 of Pakistan's leading music directors to be a part of Coke Studio. Our vision since season 7 has been to involve more and more people from our music industry and make this platform a collective dream. When we presented the idea to Coca-Cola, they loved it and were fully supportive. It was a challenging task and our guidance was required throughout the process, but today we are extremely satisfied that we took this initiative."{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2016-06-24 |title=Slain Sufi singer Amjad Sabri to feature in Coke Studio Season 9 |url=http://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/832307 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Samaa TV |language=en}}
=Debutants=
File:Amjad Sabri.jpg final performance before his death in 2016.]]
Pakistani actors Mehwish Hayat and Junaid Khan made their singing debut in the season,{{Cite web |last=Ansari |first=Hasan |date=2016-06-15 |title=Mehwish Hayat to make Coke Studio debut in season 9 |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1123448/mehwish-hayat-make-coke-studio-debut-season-9 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}{{Cite web |url=http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/lifestyle/mehwish-hayat-to-sing-with-coke-studio/ |title=Mehwish Hayat to sing with Coke Studio |first=Fayyaz |last=Hussain |publisher=Daily Pakistan |date=17 June 2016 |access-date=25 June 2016}} while Indian singer Shilpa Rao was announced as a featured artist, under Noori's supervision.{{Cite web |date=22 June 2016 |title=Bollywood singer Shilpa Rao all set for Coke Studio 9 |url=https://archive.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/06/24/bollywood-singer-shilpa-rao-all-set-for-coke-studio-9/ |access-date=25 June 2016 |publisher=Pakistan Today}} Rao explained, "I met Noori in Delhi for lunch at a common friends’ gathering, we hung out, sang songs together and that is when they asked me to come to Pakistan and sing for Coke Studio. I agreed – Ali took it very seriously and actually got me here to record the song. It's basically musicians bonding with each other. One song can make you friends for life – that is the power of music," sharing her experience she stated, " It [Coke Studio Pakistan] is a place where all the musicians are in an environment where they have their instruments, their space and the freedom to choose anything and convey it to the people in their own style; it's very powerful."{{Cite web |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1129354/heres-bollywood-singer-shilpa-rao-say-part-coke-studio/ |title=Here's what Bollywood singer Shilpa Rao has to say about being part of Coke Studio |work=Khaleej Times |publisher=The Express Tribune |date=24 June 2016 |access-date=25 June 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/music/bollywood-star-shilpa-rao-to-feature-on-coke-studio-pakistan |title=Bollywood star Shilpa Rao to feature on Coke Studio Pakistan |newspaper=Khaleej Times |date=22 June 2016 |access-date=25 June 2016}} Atif Aslam announced that he would not return to season 9.{{cite news |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/atif-aslam-backs-out-coke-studio-pakistan-season-9-4-his-best-performances-previous-seasons-672200 |title=Atif Aslam backs out of 'Coke Studio Pakistan' Season 9: 4 of his best performances from previous seasons |newspaper=International Business Times |date=27 May 2016 |access-date=25 June 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Atif-Alsam-declines-Coke-Studio-Pakistan-season-9/articleshow/51551399.cms |title=Atif Aslam declines Coke Studio – Pakistan, season 9 – Times of India |newspaper=The Times of India |date=27 May 2016 |access-date=25 June 2016}}
Veteran Qawwali singer Amjad Sabri made his final and debut appearance on Coke Studio,{{cite web |date=24 June 2016 |title=Coke Studio Season 9 to feature Amjad Sabri |url=https://archive.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/06/24/coke-studio-season-9-to-feature-amjad-sabri/ |access-date=25 June 2016 |publisher=Pakistan Today}} before his death on 22 June 2016 in a targeted killing,{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Faraz |date=2016-06-22 |title=Amjad Sabri shot dead in Karachi |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1128177/two-injured-amjad-sabris-car-comes-attack-karachi |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}} where he recorded a rendition of qawali, "Aj Rung Hai" with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.{{Cite web |last=Haq |first=Irfan Ul |date=2016-06-24 |title=Every time I met Amjad Sabri, he had a big smile: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan remembers the late qawwal |url=http://images.dawn.com/news/1175679 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Dawn Images |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2016-06-24 |title=Coke Studio Season 9 to feature Amjad Sabri |url=https://nation.com.pk/25-Jun-2016/coke-studio-season-9-to-feature-amjad-sabri |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=The Nation |language=en}} Coca-Cola GM Rizwan U. Khan said, "Coke Studio is the ultimate manifestation of Coca-Cola's music strategy and Season 9 will further strengthen Coca-Cola's cultural leadership, celebrating diversity while bridging barriers relevant to the youth of today, it is very distressing that Amjad Sabri himself will not be with all of us to see Season 9 go on air in August. His death is a huge national loss."{{cite web |last=Adil |first=Aruba |date=25 June 2016 |title=Amjad Sabri will be seen performing in Coke Studio Season 9 |url=https://www.aaj.tv/news/10352748 |access-date=8 August 2016 |publisher=AAJ TV}}
=''Coke Studio'' for the deaf=
On 30 July 2016, preceding to the launch of season, a special musical segment called "Coke Studio for the Deaf" was launched in association with Deaf Reach program of the Family Education Services Foundation (FESF),{{cite web |title=Coke Studio used technology and created music for the deaf |url=https://www.techjuice.pk/coke-studio-used-technology-and-created-music-for-the-deaf/ |first=Muneeb |last=Ahmad |publisher=TechJuice |date=2 August 2016 |access-date=7 August 2016}} for hearing-impaired persons with a setup invented by China that mainly comprises a special sofa/couch embedded with hundreds of vibration engines and LED lights that are synced with the sound of the song being played. A grand LED installation around the couch provides synchronized mood lighting to elevate the experience visually, lastly an LED screen in front of the sofa displays the video playback, while the studio is propped with guitars on stands, a drum kit and a keyboard on a stand adding to the overall ambience.{{cite web |date=1 August 2016 |title=Coke Studio creates unique music experience for the Deaf |url=http://www.coca-colajourney.com.pk/stories/coke-studio-creates-unique-music-experience-for-the-deaf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818131818/http://www.coca-colajourney.com.pk/stories/coke-studio-creates-unique-music-experience-for-the-deaf |archive-date=18 August 2016 |access-date=7 August 2016 |publisher=Coca-Cola Pakistan}}{{cite web |title=Coke Studio's new season has something special to help the deaf "feel" music |url=http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/coke-studios-new-season-has-something-special-to-help-the-deaf-feel-the-music/ |first=Hamza |last=Rao |publisher=Daily Pakistan |date=2 August 2016 |access-date=7 August 2016}}
In an interview, Coca-Cola Pakistan's GM Rizwan U. Khan stated, "Coca-Cola, because of its all inclusive brand trait, revolves around bringing people together. It shrinks social barriers and encourages people to share their emotions and experiences. However, despite reaching the masses, an estimated 9 million of our population have some form of hearing impairment, and have not experienced the magic of Coke Studio. We are really happy that we are now able to make them a part of this unique experience and keep them connected with other people who have been enjoying Coke Studio for the past 8 years."{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2016-07-30 |title=Coke Studio creates unique music experience for deaf community |url=http://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/866531 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Samaa TV |language=en}}
Richard Geary, founder and director of the Deaf Reach Program commented, "Our collaboration with Coke Studio reflects our approach towards opening new experiences for the Deaf Community and creating enabling opportunities for their inclusion and success. Coke Studio's new initiative will not only draw a circle to include those who are often marginalized, but serve to create more awareness and acceptance from the mainstream audience, helping them to better understand the challenges faced by those with a hearing impairment."{{Cite web |last=Haq |first=Irfan Ul |date=2016-07-31 |title=Coke Studio for the Deaf will change the way you think about music |url=http://images.dawn.com/news/1175935 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Dawn Images |language=en}}{{cite web |last=Bhattacharya |first=Ananya |date=2 August 2016 |title=Even the deaf can now listen to Pakistan's wildly popular Coke Studio |url=http://qz.com/747593/even-the-deaf-can-now-listen-to-pakistans-wildly-popular-coke-studio/ |access-date=10 August 2016 |publisher=Quartz India}}
Reception
=General=
Coke Studio{{'}}s season 9 became one of the most anticipated series, after the immensely positive reception of the previous season.{{Cite web |last=Afzal |first=Asfia |date=2015-09-01 |title=Coke Studio Season 8 Taking Pakistan by Storm |url=http://www.brecorder.com/news/253107 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Business Recorder |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |date=28 August 2015 |title=Coke Studio Season 8 taking the internet by storm {{!}} Pakistan Today |url=https://archive.pakistantoday.com.pk/2015/08/28/coke-studio-season-8-taking-the-internet-by-storm/ |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Pakistan Today |language=en-GB}} The change of format drew wide attention leading to the speculations that having six music directors on the show would bring chaos. Record producer Faisal Rafi said, "multiple-producer idea, if implemented, will be the last nail in the coffin." He went on to say that, "Producers are selfish people. They wouldn't want others to share their limelight." In contradiction to Rafi's statement, house band member and Coke Studio long-term drummer Gumby said, "The initial success of Coke Studio lay in the fact that we had an ensemble of producers joining forces. People like Asad Ahmed, Omran Shafique and I used to work in coordination," and said, "Hyatt did hold the reins but the show had our input as well." Speaking on the format change he explained, "it is ridiculous that a single producer churns out 25 to 30 songs alone." Citing the example of the Shiraz Uppal-produced "Tajdar-e-Haram" in season eight, he said "tracks like these prove that the formula works."{{cite news |author=Raj |first=Ali |last2=Ansari |first2=Hasan |date=3 April 2016 |title=Coke Studio: 6 producers. 1 show. Will it work? |newspaper=The Express Tribune |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1078118/coke-studio-6-producers-1-show-will-it-work |access-date=8 August 2016}} Receiving mixed reception from media on the change of format, Faisal Kapadia said, "Bringing in new people was the need of the hour. It's going to shake things up and keep audiences riveted. It is our job to assess what works and to make changes accordingly. And honestly, with or without us, Coke Studio identifies Pakistan's pop industry. We don't just own it; the whole nation does."{{Cite web |last=Rehman |first=Maliha |date=2016-07-03 |title=Exclusive: Coke Studio: here's what to expect this season |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1268165 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Dawn |language=en}}
The death of Qawwali singer Amjad Sabri brought wide media attention to series before it premier or any press release, when it was revealed that he was a debut featured artist on show before being killed in a targeted killing on 22 June 2016, just 25 days after he recorded his debut performance. His appearance on show became one of the most awaited performances on the Coke Studio.{{cite news |title=Amjad Sabri has left behind a rich legacy of music that traces its lineage to Tansen |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/amjad-sabri-qawwali-death-obituary-shot-2869878/ |first=Suanshu |last=Khurana |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=23 June 2016 |access-date=8 August 2016}} In an interview Faisal said, "On recording day, after a small briefing session, we skipped the rehearsal and went straight into recording. Sabri started singing in his grand sonorous voice and blew everyone away. We all cried that night. These two masters took us to a very different journey, a journey we can never forget. Just 25 days later, Sabri is not with us. We still can't believe it."{{Cite web |date=2016-06-26 |title=Strings look back at last interaction with Amjad Sabri |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1130679/strings-look-back-last-interaction-amjad-sabri |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}} Sabri became the first featured artist whose performance was aired posthumously.{{cite news |title=Amjad Sabri's performance to be aired on TV posthumously |url=http://dailytimes.com.pk/life-and-style/25-Jun-16/amjad-sabris-performance-to-be-aired-on-tv-posthumously |newspaper=Daily Times |date=26 June 2016 |access-date=8 August 2016}}{{cite web |date=26 June 2016 |title=Coke Studio Season 9 set to launch Amjad Sabri's last recording |url=http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/60401/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922154824/http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/60401/ |archive-date=22 September 2016 |access-date=8 August 2016 |publisher=Business Recorder}}
The appearance of actress turned singer Mehwish Hayat was met with mixed response from critics leading the singer to comment on all the speculation saying, "Critics have not even heard me sing, people should wait and hear the song before they judge it. There are people who will hate, regardless, but all the haters who are talking negative about my Coke Studio debut, saying that I cannot sing, should know and realize that someone like Shiraz Uppal or Faisal and Bilal would not have asked me to perform on one of the most prestigious music platforms if they didn't think I could. This is a HUGE opportunity for me. This whole season is special and I can predict it'll have the maximum number of hit songs."{{Cite web |last= |title="People should wait and hear the song before they judge me!" |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=The News International |language=en}}
The pre-release television commercial of Coca-Cola announcing the premier of season 9 was highly applauded and received worldwide attention. As a part of show launching campaign, the ad featuring a duet of Meesha Shafi and Umair Jaswal called "Zalima Coca-Cola Pila Dey" was released on 3 August 2016, which itself was a rendition of Madam Noor Jehan's song, become instantly hit and successful.{{cite news |title=zaalima coca cola pila dey takes internet storm heard original / |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1155673/zaalimacocacolapilade-takes-internet-storm-heard-original/ |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=3 August 2016 |access-date=8 August 2016}} Following the tradition of previous season, Coke Studio released a rendition of Naseem Begum's patriotic song "Aye Rah-e-Haq Ke Shaheedo" as an Independence tribute to Pakistani soldiers and to those who died in 1947 Separation for the creation for Pakistan, and became immediate success both domestically and internationally.{{cite web |title=COKE STUDIO 9 TRIBUTE TO PAKISTANI HEROES IS NOTHING LESS THAN POIGNANT |url=http://www.brecorder.com/arts-a-leisure/lifestyle/312763-coke-studio-9-tribute-to-pakistani-heroes-is-nothing-less-than-poignant.html |first=Asifa |last=Afzal |publisher=Business Recorder |date=7 August 2016 |access-date=9 August 2016}} It features the entire line-up from the season and was praised heavily – in particular the composition, music arrangements and last of appearance Sabri.{{cite web |title=Coke Studio's Independence Day Tribute Is A Real Tearjerker |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/140837-Coke-Studios-Independence-Day-tribute-is-a-real-tearjerker |publisher=The News International |date=7 August 2016 |access-date=9 August 2016}} It garnered more than five million views in less than five hours from its release and reached no. 1 on Twitter trend for eight-hours.{{cite web |title=Coke Studio's Season 9 begins today |url=http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/74617/ |publisher=Business Recorder |date=13 August 2016 |access-date=13 August 2016}} Indian newspaper Firstpost called, "Pakistan has the better version of Coke Studio" and went to say that, "as long as Bollywood continues to be the showrunner in India's music industry, Pakistan will be marked as the Coke Studio that's always been much more memorable."{{cite news |title=Why the new Coke Studio video proves (once again) that Pakistan has the better version |url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/why-the-new-coke-studio-video-proves-once-again-that-pakistan-has-the-better-version-2936766.html |work=Firstpost |date=6 August 2016 |access-date=9 August 2016}}
Season 9 received generally mixed reviews from critics.{{cite web |title=What is Coke Studio's identity now, and does it matter? |url=http://images.dawn.com/news/1176100 |first=Ahmer |last=Naqvi |publisher=Dawn News |date=23 August 2016 |access-date=25 August 2016}} After shows on-air, it received criticism regarding change of format and mere involvement of Strings. In response to such reviews and criticism on show former drummer and Nescafe Basement founder Xulfi said, "just stop hating" and expressed that "we are lucky to have music shows like Coke Studio and Nescafe Basement in our country."{{cite web |title=We're lucky to have shows like Coke Studio: Xulfi |url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/08/23/entertainment/were-lucky-to-have-shows-like-coke-studio-xulfi/ |publisher=Pakistan Today |date=23 August 2016 |access-date=25 August 2016}}{{cite news |title=Nescafe Basement producer Xulfi says we're lucky to have shows like Coke Studio |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1168224/nescafe-basement-producer-xulfi-comes-coke-studios-defence/ |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=23 August 2016 |access-date=27 August 2016}} In India, Coke Studio Pakistan is one of the most anticipated and watched show during its airing, with critics and artists applauding the show more than country's own version.{{cite web |title=A guide to Coke Studio Pakistan season 9: Abida Parveen, Meesha Shafi steal the show |url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/a-guide-to-coke-studio-pakistans-season-9-abida-parveen-meesha-shafi-steal-the-show-2973688.html |publisher=firstpost |date=24 August 2016 |access-date=26 August 2016}}
Marwari Punjabi-folk-singer Naseebo Lal who appeared after a long time on a national platform was met with extravagant reception, because of her association with "Stage Dramas" and singing controversial songs for it, she was under the negative impression of public, though popular among stage fraternity. After her Coke Studio debut she received immensely positive response both from public and media, in an interview she said,"singing for Coke Studio was a unique experience. I think this is a turning point in my career, people from everywhere are congratulating me for my song and it has gained more popularity than I expected it to."{{cite news |title='Coke Studio' is a turning point of my career: Naseebo Lal |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1163812/coke-studio-turning-point-career-naseebo-lal/ |first=Adnan |last=Lodhi |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=16 August 2016 |access-date=2 September 2016}} Singer and actor Ahmed Jahanzeb was also one of the featured artists on Coke Studio who appeared after almost a gap of eight-years on national platform, his duet "Khaki Banda" with Umair Jaswal was highly applauded by critics, commenting on its success Jahanzeb said, "honestly, I was running the kitchen even before the song came out but now that people have appreciated our work so much, I may release a few singles or something, you never know. What I really want to create now is a platform to launch young talent."{{cite news |title=The Ahmed Jehanzeb you knew, died long ago |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1174284/ahmed-jehanzeb-knew-died-long-ago/ |first=Rafay |last=Mehmood |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=1 September 2016 |access-date=2 September 2016}}
Despite receiving criticism from Pakistan, Coke Studio season nine was one of the most popular seasons among Indians in show's history. In a season review, Maheen Sabeeh said, "After six years under Rohail Hyatt as music producer and another two years under Strings, this season Coke Studio diversified its format in a manner that can only be described as courageous; it opened its doors to six, distinct music names that took on the role of music directors," and said, "the amount of scrutiny the show inspires is also a marvel," she concluded saying, "In the end, it all comes down to the evolving direction of the show and whether as a listener, it's a direction, an evolution that you had hoped for. Under Rohail Hyatt's term as producer, the show was not necessarily about just Pakistan but the sound of this region and the cultures that have past through this land. The current season has a much more contemporary flavor and whether that's a good thing or bad is in the end, a matter of choice and taste. How you rate the show in your own mind, is, therefore, a thing of mystery and for now that's okay."{{cite web |title=A tale for the time being |url=http://tns.thenews.com.pk/tale-time/#.V95dOPB97IV |first=Maheen |last=Sabeeh |publisher=The News |date=18 September 2016 |access-date=15 August 2016}}
=Episodic=
The first episode generally received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Writing for The Express Tribune, Ali Raj gave the episode three and half stars out of five, and commented, "If Strings are still as involved as they were last season, then this is somewhat a redemption. If they aren't, then we have diagnosed what was wrong previously."{{cite news |title=Coke Studio Season 9 review: Of mists and mellowfruitfulness |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1162033/coke-studio-season-9-review-mists-mellow-fruitfulness/ |first=Ali |last=Raj |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=14 August 2016 |access-date=15 August 2016}}{{Rating|3.5|5}} In a lukewarm review, Zahra Salahuddin of Dawn News said that episode one was "saved" by Zebunnisa Bangash's "Aaja Re Moray Saiyaan" and reviewed, "Overall, this episode added something new to the Coke Studio formula with a diversity of production styles. However, only one song stood out, making this a very lukewarm start to the season."{{cite web |title=Coke Studio review: Episode 1 saved by Zeb Bangash's lovely ballad |url=http://images.dawn.com/news/1176047 |first=Zahra |last=Salahuddin |publisher=Dawn News |date=14 August 2016 |access-date=15 August 2016}}
The second episode also received less than enthusiastic reviews. In a three star review, Ali Raj wrote, "With these two episodes, it is either the total absence of a plan or the simultaneous implementation of several that is telling us that things do not look good," and further said, "the episode was a winner had Momina Mustehsan, Haroon Shahid and Ali Azmat not been forced to feature on the songs."{{cite news |title=Coke Studio 9: The collaborations are not working |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1166497/coke-studio-9-collaborations-not-working/ |first=Ali |last=Raj |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=19 August 2016 |access-date=20 August 2016}}{{Rating|3|5}} However, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's version of "Afreen Afreen" received mixed reviews, with Momina Mustehsan's debut in the spotlight.{{cite web |title=Coke Studio is bringing back the classics |url=http://aaj.tv/2016/08/coke-studio-is-bringing-back-the-classics/ |first=Rida |last=Lodhi |publisher=AAJ TV |date=19 August 2016 |access-date=20 August 2016 |archive-date=21 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821175318/http://aaj.tv/2016/08/coke-studio-is-bringing-back-the-classics/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Brings Back 'Afreen Afreen' To Coke Studio 9 |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/2016/08/20/nusrat-fateh-ali-khans-nephew-rahat-brings-back-the-90s-hit-afreen-afreen-and-itll-make-you-sway-all-over-again |first=Ankit |last=Vengurlekar |publisher=The Quint |date=19 August 2016 |access-date=20 August 2016}} The song was an instant hit but was criticized for its re-composition, and the style of singing. It was called it a "Bollywood" type song, with some also feeling Momina's presence unnecessary.{{cite news |title=Coke Studio 9: Rahat's rendition of 'Afreen Afreen' draws criticism from fans |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1166523/coke-studio-9-rahats-rendition-afreen-draws-criticism-fans/ |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=21 August 2016 |access-date=23 August 2016}}{{cite web |title='Afreen' for looks, not for vocal chords! When someone is singing, they should be appreciated for their singing first and other things second |url=http://dailytimes.com.pk/life-and-style/22-Aug-16/afreen-for-looks-not-for-vocal-chords |publisher=The Daily Times |date=22 August 2016 |access-date=23 August 2016}} After the song Momina became social media celebrity and was one of the most sought out person on internet in Pakistan.{{cite web |title=More than 'Afreen Afreen' Momina Mustehsan creating Magin All over the Pakistan |url=http://www.brecorder.com/arts-a-leisure/lifestyle/314977-more-than-%E2%80%98afreen-afreen%E2%80%99-momina-mustehsan-creating-waves-all-over-internet.html |first=Asifa |last=Afzal |publisher=Business Recorder |date=22 August 2016 |access-date=23 August 2016}}{{cite web |title=Momina Mustehsan Is Coke Studio's Newest Singing Sensation |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/144579-Momina-Mustehsan-is-Coke-Studios-newest-singing-sensation |publisher=The News International |date=22 August 2016 |access-date=23 August 2016}} Aspiring singer Abdullah Qureshi took to his official Facebook page and criticised the Coke Studio team for leaving some lyrics from the original song and sang his own version which was met with huge positive response.{{cite news |title=This musician's response to Coke Studio's Afreen is going viral |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1167682/musicians-response-coke-studios-afreen-going-viral/ |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=22 August 2016 |access-date=23 August 2016}}
Episode three received positive reviews from critics, mostly praising Abida Parveen's "Maula-i-Kull" and Ahmed Jahanzeb performance in "Khaki Banda" duet.{{cite news |title=Coke Studio 9: Episode 3 belongs to Abida Parveen, Ahmed Jehanzeb |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1170957/coke-studio-9-episode-3-belongs-abida-parveen-ahmed-jehanzeb/ |first=Ali |last=Raj |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=26 August 2016 |access-date=27 August 2016}} Mehwish Hayat performance was also praised who made her first on-screen singing debut.{{cite web |title=Coke Studio 9: Mehwish Hayat makes singing debut with Tu Hi Tu |url=http://www.samaa.tv/entertainment/2016/08/coke-studio-9-mehwish-hayat-makes-singing-debut-with-tu-hi-tu/ |publisher=Samaa TV |date=26 August 2016 |access-date=27 August 2016}}
Episode four received widespread critical acclaim, particularly the performance of Mohsin Abbas Haider with the song "Uddi Ja" that he wrote, and composed himself.{{cite web |title=Could Mohsin Abbas Haider be Coke Studio's hidden wonder? Fans think so |url=http://images.dawn.com/news/1176173 |publisher=Dwan Images |date=4 September 2016 |access-date=5 September 2016}} Shilpa Rao's performance in folk-track "Paar Chanaa De" was also met with positive reception, on the success she said "'Par Chanaa' De is a very beautiful song. It is literally a theatrical saga because the song has emotion, anxiousness, longing to meet your loved one and hope. It's a folk song and the words are very hard hitting."{{cite web |title=Shilpa Rao's beautiful Punjabi folk for Coke Studio's 4th episode |url=http://www.samaa.tv/entertainment/2016/09/shilpa-raos-beautiful-punjabi-folk-for-coke-studios-4th-episode/ |publisher=Samaa TV |date=4 September 2016 |access-date=5 September 2016}} In an enthusiastic review of The Express Tribune Srikanth Prabhu wrote, "Bringing in great diversity of genres, instruments and musicians – the composers have made sure this season stands out," he praised the episodes versatility saying "each song is very different and gracing perfection in its own way. It's wonderful to be welcomed with such a musical delicacy on a Friday ensuring that your weekend is sorted."{{cite news |title=Coke Studio episode 4 has managed to grace perfection in its own way |url=http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/40068/coke-studio-s09e04-the-season-is-now-blooming-in-full-glory-and-im-lovin-it-coke-studio-s09e04-has-managed-to-grace-perfection-in-its-own-way/ |first=Srikanth |last=Prabhu |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=6 September 2016 |access-date=7 September 2016}}
Episode five was also reviewed positively particularly the performances of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Momina Mustehsan, Junaid Khan, Rachel Viccaji and Kashif Ali.{{cite web |title=Coke Studio continues to break record between rising stars and veterans |url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/09/09/entertainment/coke-studio-continues-to-break-record-between-rising-stars-and-veterans/ |publisher=Pakistan Today |date=9 September 2016 |access-date=9 September 2016}}{{cite magazine |title=Rising stars, veterans collaborate for Coke Studio episode 5 |url=http://nation.com.pk/entertainment/11-Sep-2016/rising-stars-veterans-collaborate-for-coke-studio-episode-5 |magazine=The Nation |date=10 September 2016 |access-date=11 September 2016}} The song "Jhalliya" received mixed reception from public gaining criticism and acclaim at the same time, however in a lauded review, Ali Raj wrote "Jhalliya does not demand a lot from the listener and yet it pleases," further praising, Javed Bashir as "undisputed king of his territorial limits" and called Masuma Anwar a "vocal powerhouse", and said "Faakhir deserves all the praise in the world for putting this together," and concluded "Jhalliya does stand among the best, if not on top, of what the Strings era of this cherished show has given us."{{cite news |title=Javed Bashir, Masooma Anwar go for the kill with 'Jhalliya' |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1181283/javed-bashir-masooma-anwar-go-kill-jhalliya/ |first=Ali |last=Raj |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=12 September 2016 |access-date=18 September 2016}} Music critic Srikanth Prabhu wrote, "Largely, this was not a disappointing episode for sure and mind you, achieving something like this is no small feat given some of the masterpieces that have emerged this season. The musical dose should definitely last for a week I hope. Or else, you can always go back to "Afreen Afreen" or "Paar Chanaa De.""{{cite news |title=Coke Studio episode 5 is a bag of mixed surprises |url=http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/40445/coke-studio-episode-5-is-a-bag-of-mixed-surprises/ |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=17 September 2016 |access-date=18 September 2016}}
Episode six received mixed to average reviews from critics, with critics mostly praising Sanam Marvi and Saeen Zahoor's performance who came back to the series after three years singing a second duet together. Monina and Asim Azhar's rendition of "Tera Woh Pyaar" and "Nawazishein" re-composed by Shuja Haider, who originally performed them were also praised.{{cite web |title=Saeen Zahoor and Sanam Marvi return after three seasons |url=http://dailytimes.com.pk/life-and-style/17-Sep-16/saeen-zahoor-and-sanam-marvi-return-after-three-seasons |publisher=Daily Times |date=17 September 2016 |access-date=30 September 2016}}
Season's final and seventh episode was the most waited episode in Coke Studio history, particularly because of Sabri's final performance that was released posthumously before his death in June 2016,{{cite news |title=Amjad Sabri's 'Coke Studio' qawwali released posthumously |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1187684/__trashed-81// |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=24 September 2016 |access-date=26 September 2016}}{{cite web |title=Coke Studio season 9 finale saw Amjad Sabri perform for one last time |url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/09/24/entertainment/coke-studio-season-9-finale-saw-amjad-sabri-perform-for-one-last-time/ |publisher=Pakistan Today |date=25 September 2016 |access-date=26 September 2016}} a little over a month before series premier.{{cite web |title=Coke Studio 9 to end with final performance of Sabri |url=http://dailytimes.com.pk/life-and-style/22-Sep-16/coke-studio-9-to-end-with-final-performance-of-sabri |publisher=Daily Times |date=22 September 2016 |access-date=23 September 2016}} He performed a qawwali, "Rang" with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan,{{cite web |title=Coke Studio ends with release of Amjad Sabri-Rahat Fateh Ali 'Rang' |url=http://www.samaa.tv/entertainment/2016/09/coke-studio-ends-with-release-of-amjad-sabri-rahat-fateh-ali-rang/ |publisher=Samaa TV |date=22 September 2016 |access-date=23 September 2016}} the same qawwali was sung by Sabri's father Ghulam Farid Sabri and Khan's uncle Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan forty years ago.{{cite web |title=Coke Studio culminates this week with Amjad Sabri, Rahat Fateh duet |url=http://www.samaa.tv/entertainment/2016/09/coke-studio-season-9-culminates-this-week-with-amjad-sabri-rahat-fateh-ali-duet/ |publisher=Samaa TV |date=23 September 2016 |access-date=24 September 2016}} Their performance received overwhelming response from critics and people all over the country.{{cite web |title=Amjad Sabri's last performance on Coke Studio leaves fans in tears |url=http://images.dawn.com/news/1176295 |publisher=Dawn News |date=24 September 2016 |access-date=26 September 2016}}{{cite web |title=Coke Studio 9 ends with Amjad Sabri-Rahat Fateh Ali Khan performing "Rang" |url=http://www.brecorder.com/arts-a-leisure/lifestyle/319544-coke-studio-9-ends-with-amjad-sabri-rahat-fateh-ali-performing-%E2%80%98rang%E2%80%99.html |publisher=Business Recorder |date=24 September 2016 |access-date=26 September 2016}}{{cite web |title=Season 9's grand finale aired – Audiences treated with the much-anticipated Amjad Sabri and Rahat Fateh Ali duet |url=http://dailytimes.com.pk/life-and-style/25-Sep-16/season-9s-grand-finale-aired |publisher=Daily Times |date=24 September 2016 |access-date=26 September 2016}}
See also
References
{{Reflist|refs=
{{cite news |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/coke-studio-pakistan-undergoes-major-revamp-season-9-artiste-line-revealed-683149 |title='Coke Studio Indian' undergoes major revamp in Season 9; artiste line-up revealed |first=Arka |last=Sengupta |newspaper=International Business Times |date=17 June 2016 |access-date=25 June 2016}}
}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://www.cokestudio.com.pk/season9}}
- {{IMDb episodes|2400629}}
{{Coke Studio Pakistan}}
{{Authority control}}