The first episode of Coke Studio season 11 is just out and it is winning over hearts of listeners for a unique rendition of Iqbal’s epic poem Shikwa Jawab-e-Shikwa. Pakistan’s legendary singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan had earlier recited this poem in qawwali form. This time Coke Studio has presented it as a blend of rock and qawwali.
Shikwa Jawab-e-Shikwa in Coke Studio Season 11
The song begins with the powerful voice of Natasha Baig who sings Shikwa and makes an effort to deliver the meaning of the lyrics with the help of rock music and hand gestures. Iqbal’s Shikwa which is written in a rebellion tone is a complaint of a Muslim to his God for not bestowing His blessings upon him despite his endless sacrifices for the creator. Coke Studio has indeed come up with a brilliant idea to use rock music for singing a poetry which depicts an act of rebel.
Jawab e Shikwa in the form of Qawwali
One thing about Coke Studio’s Shikwa Jawab-e-Shikwa that can make everyone sway in amusement is the perfect amalgam of two different music genres. The song is a blend of rock and qawwali that represents Shikwa and Jawab-e- Shikwa respectively. After Natasha enthusiastically delivers her Shikwa with rock music, Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad Qawwal begin Jawab-e-Shikwa in their traditional style. Jawab-e-Shikwa is God’s reply to the complaint of a Muslim where He tells why his nation is an abysmal state. Overall the song is a mixture of melodious voices, soulful music, and an immersive poetry.
Reaction of Fans
An overview of the social media reactions to Coke Studio’s Shikwa Jawab-e-Shikwa reveals that fans have liked it much due to strategic selection of music combination which seems to be the most praised thing about this track so far.
Here is what listeners had to say about such a soul-enriching rendition.
All those who have read Shikwa/Jawab-e-Shikwa, you guys know how powerful this is going to be! #CokeStudio11 https://t.co/CokKIw50Xb
— رمشاء (@RamshaPakistani) August 10, 2018
Thank u @cokestudio for reviving shikwa/Jwab e shikwa with such powerful voices, as a nation going through many hardships we really needed that to evaluate our selves#CokeStudio11 #ShikwaJawabEShikwa
— Ayaz (@kuxhnakaho) August 10, 2018
Coke Studio season 11 was much awaited musical show, mainly because of its impact-oriented promo that showed a diverse line of artists across the length and breadth of Pakistan. The start with Iqbal’s Shikwa Jawab-e-Shkiwa has already offered an insight into how dynamic performances the audience is likely to watch just like singers who are from different backgrounds and represent all the popular music genres in Pakistan.
