Melody Shrouded in Controversy: Coke Studio starts off its new season

Pakistan’s world-wide acclaimed music series made a grand comeback after a one-year gap with producer Zulfiqar (Xulfi) Jabbar Khan’s Tu Jhoom. Sung by Abida Parveen and Naseebo Lal, the song broke the internet with its soulful melody, poetic lyrics and celebration of Sufism.

Tu Jhoom is a magical blend of sound and poetry that has the ability to make listeners transcend into a reverie of sorts, provoking existential questions while simultaneously providing a sense of peace.

“Jo Hai Tera Labh Jayega

Karke Koi Bhana

Tere Bas Mein Kuch Vi Nahi Ae

Dil Nu Eh Samjhawan”

We don’t know about you, but we definitely got chills while listening to this. In the middle of our rushed lives paved with uncertainty and worries, these lyrics prompt us to stop for a moment and remember that what is meant to be will ultimately be. Coupled with harmonious tunes, they commemorate Sufism by inspiring thoughts about the spiritual connection between God and man.

Despite the country-wide out-pouring of love for its first song of the season, Coke Studio has found itself embroiled in a dispute with Umarkot based singed, Nirmala Maghani. Maghani claims that Xulfi Jabbar Khan stole the melody from her, after she sent it to him in June 2021 when she was auditioning for a spot on the show. Xulfi has denied these charges, and

Coke Studio responded by releasing a video in which composition of the song can be seen well underway in May 2021, before Maghani sent her recording in June. However, since then famous composer and lyricist Yousaf Salahuddin has come out in support of Maghani.

With both sides releasing video and picture evidence to back up their positions, it is becoming harder and harder to be certain about who composed the melody. Meanwhile, Tu Jhoom has crossed 13 million views on YouTube and is quickly becoming Pakistan’s favorite song.

Nida Babar

Media Quotient Inc.