Sajjad Ali needs no introduction at all. Now, almost two decades and many successful albums later, Sajjad Ali, singer, songwriter and composer, comes to Coke Studio for the first time, with a voice that, in his own words, is “more mature” and a signature style that is appealing in its uniqueness.

Sanam Marvi on the other hand is a young classical female singer of Pakistan. Now, while Marvi performs all over the world, she keeps returning to the shrines to reconnect with her roots. “It was at the dargahs of Sachal Sarmast, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Shahbaz Qalandar, in the midst of hordes of people and fakirs that I learned how to sing,” remembers Marvi, who sings only Sufic verse, “I still go there and sing for them, and give my hazri, because of course the Lord has given me more than I deserve.”

Watch Collaborative Performance of Sajjad Ali feat. Sanam Marvi in Coke Studio:

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Komal Rizvi was born in Dubai and raised in England and Nigeria. She came to Pakistan as a teenager and embarked on her career as an entertainer while still in school. During this time, alongside preparing for her A Levels Rizvi acted in a popular drama serial Hawaaein and released her first pop album called Bauji. Later, while enrolled at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Rizvi appeared in a number of television plays. She then jetted off to Bombay to host a show for a popular Indian music channel and simultaneously released her second album titled Parbat.

Now, after a long hiatus, Rizvi returns to the limelight, showcasing her talent at Coke Studio this year. Commenting on her relationship with music the performer states, “My relationship with music has always been a personally rewarding one.” Rizvi recently released a single titled Chahiye and a music video ‘Yehi Pyaar Hai’ and is currently working on her new album set to launch by the end of this year.

Watch Komal Rizvi’s Lambi Judai in Coke Studio:

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In 1964 Akhtar Channal Zahri started taking formal singing lessons from an ustaad. In 1973 he brought regional folk to national attention after he was discovered by the Balochi Radio Station, and in 1974 Chanal’s music became popular nationwide when his song Deer Deerwas first aired live on TV. Since then Akhtar Chanal has traveled all over the world, including the United States, the Netherlands and Europe for tours. In 1998 he was also awarded the Pride of Performance.

This season Channal joins us at Coke Studio, with a sound that inspires, thrills and awes and at the same time touches the heart with its Balochi passion, and whimsical Pakistani beauty.

Watch Akhtar Channal’s Nar Bait performed at Coke Studio:

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The story of The Sketches’ inception goes back to 2003, when Samejo, an English Literature student, and Naeem Shah, a Fine Arts student met at Jamshoro University and bonded over similar tastes in music. Shah would play the guitar and Samejo would hum along. Both musicians have a deep and abiding love for their cultural heritage and their interests range from sufi poetry and folk legends to the revival of traditional instruments and the indigenous music of the shrines. Finally they make it big in 2011 and perform at the most prestigious musical platform of the country i.e Coke Studio.

Watch/Listen The Sketches Mandh (Waai) at Coke Studio:

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By Salman Siddiqui

salman@pakium.com

Let’s head back one year or so. A band called “The Sketches“ made their debut album ‘Dastkari‘ and launched their first two music videos ”Maujood” which was based on peace and harmony and their folk song depicting the story of the romance of ”Momal-Rano”.

While writing a review for “Momal-Rano”, I took relief in the thought that at least somebody cares about the ill-fated culture of ours which is facing “depreciation” since long.

I believe that passion and obsession is half way through. To my surprise, The Sketches had proved my belief right, very right indeed! The only musical band which is presently hoisting the flag of Sufi music and which can be called the pioneer of “Sufi Folk Rock” following the footsteps of the trend-setters “Junoon”. (more…)

Here are the previews of the fourth episode of Coke Studio Season 4 featuring The Sketches, Akhtar Channal Zahri, Sajjad Ali & Sanam Marvi, Komal Rizvi and Ataullah Khan Essa Khelvi

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Mole – Baageshri – Instrumental

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