https://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/19566/coke-studio-vs-nescafe-basement-is-there-a-winner/

Coke studio and Nescafe basement are one of the most renowned and famous big names of Pakistan Music Industry. The melodious mesmerizing songs and compositions being produced by both, have already stolen the hearts of their fan away. Pakistan’s Music Industry is in a developing period where it is still trying to promote music and to create awareness about music of different genres. Coke studio has been crucially promoting eastern culture since its creation and now has made its culture its signature. Coke studio contains more than 1 lack fans who listens to the songs of Coke studio. Nescafe basement has always been in the competition with Coke studio and their cold war and unexpressed clashes never ended. In the recent news of Nescafe basement, it clearly challenged the standards of coke studio by bringing some compulsive and enthrailing elements to its production. Coke studio was created by Rohail hyyat in 2008 and he got back in coke studio this year. This news created hype and boost on social media as well as it astonished people.

Coke studio mainly put attention of people on the Asian Islamic culture. In the recent article, Nescafe basement discoursed about the chief variations which makes them different and more formidable and supreme than coke studio. The owner and creator of Nescafe basement just decided to remake and remould the ’ Surtaal Academy’ which have number of young children and teenagers. For the inspiration, Zulfi took young girl for the season song who is now considered the Abida Parveen of future hits. Nescafe basement is looking for the young talent; said Zulfi. In such circumstances, when Nescafe basement is offering and stimulating its standards, a last release of Coke studio ‘Ko ko karina’ ruined and dropped the image of coke studio badly. It gave boom to Nescafe basement, however only one song cannot abolish the influence of coke studio on people. This year Zulfi, announced the ‘All Kid’s Bands’ to be the band of the year which is going to hit people with new idea and something being marvelous done. Last year, Nescafe Basement had ‘ All girl’s Band’ which created its impact on broader level and won many hearts. ‘Pyar dia gallan’ by season 5 was appreciated by all and acquired a lot fame on social media as well. Hadia Hashmi of season 5 in now the main young talent of Nescafe basement whereas coke studio is still making people fall in love with current star Aima baig and Asim Azher. Coke studio’s target and standards are quite high which is why only few have been given opportunity to sing in Coke studio. The another reason of coke studio’s high fame and popularity is it always associate symbols of cultures and take historical figures ideally to portray the stories in its own theme. Coke studio has made number of remakes which Nescafe Basement cannot compete as they have legacy in doing so. Sufi music of coke studio is famous all around the world and even at global level people listens to those songs and highly appreciate. A Song named’ Paar Channa de’ was the tribute to our history legends ‘ Soni mahiwaal’, In each song, Coke studio adds its own touch of eastern folk music which makes the composition of coke studio different and unique. Nescafe Basement is never neglected and still have big name in Pakistan’s music industry but it despite all it needs bulk of time to reach the level of Coke studio. Both have different visions, but aims are quite high and similar which is to make our young generation of Pakistan highlighted and talented to represent on global level. Surtaal Academy founded by Zia has also created an impact and catering number of different talents of music. Zulfi on his way to his dreams, decided to revamp that academy for the young talent and to improve the standards of Nescafe basement. Keeping high expectations surtaal Academy is now waiting to launch its unplugged covers in market to introduce and prove its talent. Talent is not created, it is just found and one just need to have that potential and self confidence in itself to prove its talent and polish abilities.

On the whole, people have now dropped expectations from Coke studio but soon, coke studio is going to come back with its large hit which is the sensational update of now days. Competition will be always there however the visions have same purposes but Nescafe basement has also tied its back and ready to introduce its new face of the new season. The whole target is to revive the lost soul of Music in Pakistan to promote music and talented soul. Whether its Nescafe Basement or Coke studio, whoever will foster and nurture the hidden talent of Pakistan will contribute to its country’s progress. (Anjum, 2019)