Breaking away from tradition that often saw a new season begin with a patriotic song featuring all artistes, Coke Studio 14 has started with just two, but what a powerful duo it is. Naseebo Lal’s seasoned Rajasthani vocals open ‘Tu Jhoom’ and ascend, leading you to the deep, mellow and extremely soothing balance that Abida Parveen brings in. There’s an unexpected and yet delightful shift in tone. This atypical pairing of musical powerhouses ensures yin yang to a song that urges you to sway in selflessness. There is movement, both sonic and visual, towards spirituality and hope and a balance of energies that help one heal and recover from hard times.
Produced/Curated by Season Producer Xulfi and written by Adnan Dhool, ‘Tu Jhoom’ also taps into the genius of Abdullah Siddiqui who calls it “quintessentially desi but in an updated, almost post-modern way.”
The studio session lends another dimension to the song, making it larger than life. We’ve seen Coke Studio recordings in closed sets, the previous season recorded in isolation because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but this year’s video opens up to a choir and dancers. The usual setting is replaced by a more open space surrounded by delicately carved window panes, playing with light and shadows, lending an ethereal mood to dancers swaying to the beats. The dancers complement and yet contrast the two stationary figures that command attention and reverence. Directed by the gifted Zeeshan Parwez, the video is both liberating and experimental.
You’d be mistaken to think there wasn’t a patriotic element in the song; the choir and dancers dressed in white and green, subtly conform to it. The lyrics play with the power in selflessness but also self love, self respect and confidence; ‘Tu Jhoom’ is extremely motivational on all levels.
