Coke Studio Season 15 concluded on a high note with the release of its eleventh and final song, “Mehmaan.” This powerful track features the celebrated vocals of Zebunnisa (Zeb) Bangash, the prodigious Noorima Rehan, and the uniquely talented Nizam ud Din Torwali.
Mehmaan | Coke Studio Pakistan | Season 15
“Mehmaan,” which translates to “guest,” is a multi-artist collaboration that delves into the theme of hospitality, extending beyond the earthly realm to a more divine plane. The song addresses those seeking answers and guidance from the sublime wisdom of the universe.
The song was curated by Xulfi, with music produced by Abdullah Siddiqui and Xulfi, and directed by Awais Gohar. Hashim Ali provided art direction, creating a music video that visually transports viewers to a lush, pristine world reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, juxtaposed with moss-covered stone ruins.
Nizam ud Din Torwali, hailing from Taip Se Ban, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, opens “Mehman” with verses in Torwali, an ancient language unique to his community of around 150,000 people. His captivating tone serenades the turquoise sky with heartfelt emotion.
Zeb Bangash responds to Nizam ud Din Torwali’s pleas with gentle yet firm wisdom. Her words, “Tera ehsas hai, teri yaad nahin | Iss ghata ki tarah mehman hoon | Tera samaan nahin” (I feel you, even as memory fades | Like this breeze, I am but a visitor | Not your burden), offer reassurance and guidance, reminding him and all lost listeners to follow their true North and recognize that the world is a mere reflection of the stars above.
Noorima Rehan’s verses bridge the connection between Nizam ud Din Torwali and Zeb Bangash: “Beete hoye ansuon ki yaaryaan samo ke | Ajab kahanyon ki mein humrah,” (Embracing the friendship that outlives the tears | I join a fellowship of travelers carrying tall tales.)
As the song progresses, Zeb Bangash’s soothing vocals, harmonized with Xulfi’s composition, offer a message of hope. “Chahaton ke bhi rastay kayi | Chun lo koi,” (The paths to Love are numerous | Choose any which one), she sings, reminding listeners that the paths to love are many and it is up to us to choose which to take.
The song concludes with symbolic imagery of beasts and birds returning to Eden, an eternal spring awaiting those who travel life’s path without regret or reservation.
About the Artists:
Nizam ud Din Torwali: From the remote village of Taip Se Ban, Nizam ud Din Torwali brings the soul of his unique culture to Coke Studio. His village glistens like a half-hidden gem amidst the mountains of Swat District, home to the ancient Gandhara Civilization. His voice is a sublime reflection of his ethnicity and cultural heritage.
Noorima Rehan: A young prodigy from the village of Ghulkin, Gojal Hunza, Noorima embodies the serene landscape of her homeland. Her songs speak lovingly of the Wakhi tradition, a cultural legacy of Hunza. A professional ice hockey player, her true expression is found in music, blending traditional Ghulkin soul with contemporary Pakistani pop.
Zebunnisa Bangash: Known affectionately as Zeb, this celebrated singer-songwriter hails from Lahore, Punjab, with familial roots in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Zeb’s eclectic musical scope is attributed to her linguistic prowess and soulful blend of contemporary and traditional music. A seasoned Coke Studio artist, Zeb seamlessly merges various musical genres and languages, reflecting her belief in the unifying power of music.
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