Coke Studio 15 dropped its first offering and even as fans anticipated what’s it going to be this time, sufi, rock, pop, folk or a fusion … the Sindhi surprise hit like a sweet summer breeze, sweeping away listeners in a magical spell of color, rhythm and folklore. And that, dear folks is Aayi Aayi – the first song from Coke Studio 15, in a nutshell!
As the lyrics from Aayi Aayi resonate with the resilience and courage from the much-loved folk tale of Umar Marvi, or Marui (Sindhi), the tune is both hummable and moving, wrapped in a catchy beat and brought together in sync from the people of the region.
Join us as we talk to vocalist, composer, and songwriter Noman Ali Rajper, who tells us more about the story and making of Aayi Aayi.
1. Aayi Aayi, the inspiration, kahan se aayi?
Noman: “The inspiration for Aayi Aayi came from the first interaction between me and Xulfi bhai. Initially we didn’t have any words or lyrics. There was a humming in which he was playing the guitar and singing the hook Aayi Aayi. We didn’t know that we would use it in such a way that someone is coming back. So, we had a small hook melody in our mind, which Xulfi Bhai told me, and while keeping it in mind, we were constructing the whole melody.”
The folktale of Umar Marvi symbolizes that if someone goes against the odds and stands by a decision, and then he returns to his/her people … it is a sign of victory and happiness. That’s the story that we wanted to talk about with Xulfi Bhai. There is no better way to express it than Aayi Aayi.”
Noman Ali Rajper on Aayi Aayi
2. The fusion, and working with other artists?
Noman: “It was a great experience working with different artists. I have worked with Babar (Mangi) for the first time. From scrutinizing the two artists to getting them to practice so much, and making sure that they are ready for studio recording, that journey has been tremendous. And Aayi Aayi was not composed on set, it was composed earlier. I started it in October-November ’22 and in August ’23, after some retakes and improvisations, and final preparations, the final words, lyrics and melody were done.”
3. Naam, Aayi Aayi. Why this name? The story behind it.
Noman: “Again, why this name, Aayi Aayi? Since the narrative from which we have built this song, – the folktale of Umar Marvi symbolizes that if someone goes against the odds and stands by a decision, and then he returns to his/her people … it is a sign of victory and happiness. That’s the story that we wanted to talk about with Xulfi Bhai. There is no better way to express it than Aayi Aayi.” explains Noman simply, as if the title of the song was as plain as day, not even a revelation but more like, what else would it be? Of course, Aayi Aayi fit in beautifully.
Noman goes on to shed light on the ever popular folktale of Umar Marvi:
The story behind the folktale is that the ruler of the time named Umar kidnapped Marvi from a village. She was told that she will get all the riches in the world and live a life of luxury. But Marvi replied that she doesn’t want anything because she can never be happy with all these things as her will wasn’t involved in making the decision – “I will not go against my will” she responded. The determination and resilience she showed is why she is such an inspiration. Hence, when she came back, she was welcomed with open arms and joy, just like a heroine who had given her people victory against oppression and subjugation. It was a victory not only of one young woman, but all of the land too.”
4. So Aayi Aayi is an ode to the courage of women sung by a man mostly, what was the inspiration behind it? We had to ask.
Noman: “Inspiration, to be very honest, my mother was behind this one. Because when I came to know about the narrative of the song, like you are asking, what is the song all about, my mother has been the most inspiring lady I have come across. The way she taught us and brought us up against all odds. I wanted to write the song in a way that anyone who listens to it can relate to it to some extent.”
5 On composing with Xulfi and Abdullah Siddiqi.
Noman: “I had a lot of fun making this composition with Xulfi bhai and Abdullah Siddiqui. There was a conversation I’ll always remember. This is what happened”, and he explained: “Babar’s part was done, I had written my part and composed it, I was like, this song is complete in my mind. But at that moment when I told this to to Xulfi bhai, he suddenly said, “I think there is something missing”. And I was like, “What is missing?” He said, “I feel that there should be a woman here and her voice should be heard. I was like, okay, we have to wait a little more, the song is not complete.”
6. Curious to know, does music run in the family?
Noman: “No, music does not run in my family. My elder brother used to sing when he was at university. But as of now, there is no musical background in my family. Most of the people are advocates or engineers or teachers. So this was a hole in the wall inside me. I always wanted to do it, but with a lot of trepidation. My family were always behind me. If you like it, you do it, they would advise, but do it with your heart. Don’t do it to show anyone.”
My family’s reaction was very special. Because they didn’t know I was coming on Coke Studio. So they were very happy, they were very emotional and they were smiling as if it felt like they appeared on Coke Studio themselves!
Noman Ali Rajper on singing Aayi Aayi for Coke Studio Pakistan
Noman went on to elaborate on the positivity around him:
“My family has been very supportive from day one, whether I’m getting offers for shows or not, whether I’m getting any jingles to sing or any commercial projects or not, they were very supportive. If you’re doing it, you have our support and our good wishes and passion, then may Allah give you more. But keep working with consistency, don’t stop.
“Their reaction was very special.” Noman continued to relate the excitement behind his Coke Studio appearance. “Because my family didn’t know that I was coming on Coke Studio. So they were very happy, they were very emotional and they were smiling as if it felt like they appeared on Coke Studio themselves.” Noman was smiling ear to ear and one could feel the emotion as the family vibe translated into pride and a feeling that he had risen to meet their expectations and beyond!
And that’s all folks, listen in to Aayi Aayi here and catch more insights behind the making of the song, a spiritual journey indeed, one of passion and resilience harking back to many generations that finally get a voice. May it echo beyond the studio, creep into playlists across the world and resonate with people who speak a different language but feel the universal vibe of music that speaks of a people steeped in history, courage and melody!
Aayi Aayi the song, curated and produced by the renowned musician Xulfi, boasts a collaborative effort from a talented team of artists and creators. Under Xulfi’s direction, the narrative of the song was crafted by none other than Xulfi himself, while the composition bears the creative input of Xulfi, Noman Ali Rajper, Babar Mangi, and Abdullah Siddiqui. The evocative lyrics were penned by Noman Ali Rajper and Babar Mangi, lending depth and emotion to the music. The arrangement and production of the music were expertly handled by Xulfi and Abdullah Siddiqui, ensuring a cohesive and captivating sound. With Xulfi also taking charge of the mixing, the song received its final polish from Sr. Mastering Engineer Randy Merrill of Sterling Sound. Notably, the project benefited from the insights of song consultants Saif Samejo and Zeeshan Ali. The vocal performances, integral to the song’s expression, were delivered by Noman Ali Rajper, Babar Mangi, Marvi, and Saiban, each lending their unique voice to the composition, bringing it to life with their individual flair and talent.
