October is just around the corner and we as a nation are extremely excited because Pakistani music is expected to regain its lost glory. Yes, Coke Studio is coming back again with its OG producer, the legendary Rohail Hyatt and we can’t wait!
Rohail’s comeback to Coke Studio has been greeted with sheer joy, excitement and high expectations from a huge Coke Studio fan base! A nation that takes its music and Cricket seriously, we are quick to applause a six and punish a dropped catch like no other! With Rohail at the helm of affairs once again, we are so sure he’s going to hit multiple sixes, that the entire nation is eagerly anticipating a super hit Season 12!
Although 3 reasons are too few, (for a legend like Rohail Hyatt), we give you three MAJOR reasons why, and how, Rohail Hyatt helped revive the Pakistani Music scene:
1) Not A One Hit Wonder
Rohail Hyatt is a celebrated name in the history of Pakistani music and has been a driving force in the industry for decades. Many of you might remember him from the legendary band Vital Signs. The band that gave us tunes which the world is still grooving to (hint: the neighbors love these tunes too!).
From iconic songs like Aitebar, Sanwli Saloni, Wo Kon thi, and the heartbeat of our nation Dil Dil Pakistan. Rohail has been a part of all these and much more.
2) The Person Behind Our Favourite Bands
In 2002, when the band culture had almost died down in the country, Rohail Hyatt teamed up with Pepsi to bring us the first season of Pepsi Battle of the Bands. That gave us gems like Aaroh, Meekal Hasan Band and introduced the world to Fawad Khan in the form of EP. So FK Fans, you now know who to thank for this incredible gift!
Rohail also produced the mesmerizing music for the critically acclaimed film “Khuda Ke Liye”, which also launched the film career of Fawad Khan.
3) Brought Us Coke Studio
12 Years ago, the Pakistani music scene was changed like never before, when Coke Studio was introduced. This kind of platform came as a breath of fresh air to the local music industry which was facing a bleak situation. Rohail Hyatt provided a platform for local artists, singers and musicians alike, to unite and present collaborations to show the world how incredibly talented we are as a nation.
In an interview with BBC Urdu, Rohail once said that he didn’t follow any rule or formula because “Music is not an exact science. Many potentially hit songs did not do well because their timing was off, whereas many potentially messed up songs became great hits just because the timing was right”.
We were introduced to many such songs which became overnight sensations after being re-imagined under his vision.
Each season, Rohail Hyatt wowed us with something even better. From the line up of artists to the fusion of genres, to the collaboration of artists the world had never seen before. Every episode of every season was a sheer treat for a nation that was starved for great quality entertainment. His endeavors brought some obscure artists into the limelight and not only just gave us great tracks but created livelihood for them which couldn’t have been possible without his vision.
What Other Surprises Does He Have Up His Sleeve?
Rohail said in an interview “When something doesn’t change, it indicates that it is no longer alive, because change happens when something is alive, change is a good thing”, hence keeping the music industry alive.
Coke Studio and Rohail Hyatt deserve credit for bringing Pakistani youth back to our own music and breathing new life into the music industry. Rohail Hyatt’s contribution to the Pakistani music scene cannot be limited to a numbered list of successes – and we’re hoping he wows us like never before. Bring it on Coke Studio – We’re waiting to ‘HEAR’ from you, it’s been a long time!