Coke Studio 7

[Rosette Allaband]

CokeStudio Pakistan (Urdu: کوک اِسٹوڈیو) is a Pakistani television programme and a part of the international music franchise, Coke Studio, which features studio-recorded music performances by established and emerging artists. It is the longest-running annual television music show in Pakistan, airing annually since 2008. The programme's concept originated in Brazil and has subsequently expanded its reach worldwide.

The show combines a myriad of musical influences, from traditional Pakistani classical, folk, Sufi, qawwali, ghazal and bhangra music to contemporary hip hop, rock and pop music.[1] It is noted for promoting Pakistan's multiculturalism by inviting artists from various regions and languages to collaborate musically.[2][3]

Coke Studio originated in Brazil in 2007 as a music project, initially named Estdio Coca-Cola, with the aim of blending the styles of two Brazilian artists. The concept was adopted by Nadeem Zaman, Marketing Head of The Coca-Cola Company, who partnered with Rohail Hyatt, a former member of the Pakistani band Vital Signs, to create a Pakistani version of the show in 2008. The inaugural season premiered with a live audience and was met with immense success. Production was handled by Hyatt, his wife Umber Hyatt, and Nofil Naqvi, a Pakistani cinematographer.[4][5]

Rohail Hyatt remained as executive producers for the show until season six, stepping down in 2013 after five years.[6] He was succeeded by Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia of the band Strings, who produced the show until the end of season ten.[7][8] Strings announced that season ten would be their last.[9][10] In March 2018, Ali Hamza and Zohaib Kazi were announced as the producers for season eleven, but they left after the season concluded.[11][12] Rohail Hyatt made a comeback in 2019 to produce season twelve and continued at the helm for season thirteen as well.[13][14] After season thirteen, Hyatt recommended Xulfi to lead production for the fourteenth season, which aired in 2022.[15][16]

The show features artists in each episode, by a house band and guest artists. Coke Studio tracks are officially available on their YouTube channels and various streaming platforms.[a] The music is recorded live by artists at Coke Studio.[17] The televisual style emphasizes frequent close-ups on various performers, highlighting the collective contributions of the ensemble, while primarily focusing on the lead singer or singers.[18]

Following success in Pakistan after its first launch, Coke Studio has become an international franchise. The Pakistani show has amassed a large fan base in neighbouring country, India.[19] The success of the show prompted Coca-Cola to launch the Indian version, Coke Studio @ MTV, with a similar format, which proved to be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.[20] The Indian version has been produced by MTV India.[21] In April 2012, an Arab version of the show, Coke Studio بالعربي was launched in the Middle East featuring performances by various Arabic and international music artists, produced by the songwriter Michel Elefteriades. Following the successes of the Pakistani and Indian versions, a Bangladeshi edition, Coke Studio Bangla, was launched on 7 February 2022.

Atif Aslam's rendition of Sabri Brothers' qawwali "Tajdar-e-Haram" in Coke Studio Season 8 became the first video originating in Pakistan to cross 100 million views on YouTube, garnering views from 186 countries.[23] Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Momina Mustehsan's rendition of "Afreen Afreen" from the ninth season also earned 100 million views on YouTube.[24]

Coke Studio launched in 2008 in Pakistan as a TV series featuring established and emerging artists from various genres collaborating in live, studio recording sessions. The critically acclaimed show quickly gained a large and loyal following, expanding into an international music franchise with spin-off editions in India, the Philippines, Africa and the Middle East.

The first time Coke's AI studio appeared was at this year's Hangout music festival, which took place from May 19-21. The studio will be at a handful of upcoming festivals through the remainder of the year, the next being the Global Dance Festival on July 21-22.

Musically driven marketing has become a go-to tactic for Coke. Last year, the company promoted its Coke Summer Music events with an augmented reality experience on Snapchat in partnership with Australian rapper The Kid Laroi. Coke also teamed with artist Marshmello last year to introduce a limited-edition flavor as part of its Creations innovation platform.

Coke Studio has been a point of success, with the company in its first quarter earnings noting that its latest season saw over 1 billion streams. Coke had a strong start to 2023, with organic revenue up 12% year-over-year. In discussing the results, executives also attributed early bets on generative AI to success in connecting with Gen Z. The company is expected to report its second-quarter earnings on July 26.

The festival features a star-studded lineup with renowned artists including Flo Rida, two-time GRAMMY Award winner LeAnn Rimes, two-time GRAMMY Award-nominated Skillet and more artist announcements coming in the following weeks. In partnership with Coca-Cola, guests will find all-new music-related activations each weekend of the summer music festival with more than 30 artists set to perform.

Since its inception in 1975, the Paladium has welcomed cultural icons such as Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Charlie Daniels, James Taylor, Mary J. Blige and the Temptations. Carowinds was among the first amusement parks to establish a permanent concert facility. In 1991, an expansion project transformed the amphitheater into a standalone concert venue.

Season passholders can enjoy all these performances as part of their pass benefits. The 2024 Silver Season Pass offers unlimited visits to Carowinds, including access to Carolina Harbor Waterpark and free parking through Labor Day, September 2.

"Coca-Cola is thrilled to partner with Carowinds to bring this exciting and entertaining experience to Carolina music fans," Valencia Bivens, senior vice president, strategic partnerships, Coca-Cola North America, said.

In addition to unforgettable headlining performances, Carowinds announces nationally renowned country music artists Lauren Alaina, Tyler Rich and Restless Road will set the stage as opening performances.

On Saturday, July 20, three-time GRAMMY Award winner and multi-platinum-selling artist TobyMac will deliver an uplifting and entertaining performance for audiences of all ages. Tenth Avenue North, recipient of three GMA Dove Awards, will open. TobyMac, who has graced the stage multiple times at Carowinds, is acclaimed as a contemporary Christian singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer.

The Paladium at Carowinds will be filled with iconic hits on Saturday, August 3, as Sugar Ray, Better Than Ezra, and Tonic take the stage. Better Than Ezra, recognized by Billboard as one of the top 100 Greatest Alternative Artists of All Time and GRAMMY Award nominee Tonic, will join Sugar Ray, known for their triple-platinum album and four Top 10 hits.

Set at the park's iconic on-site amphitheater, the Paladium, this multi-weekend festival merges thrilling rides with live music, offering guests the ultimate summer destination experience. The fest also features performances by local bands and emerging artists throughout the park.

Bret Michaels, a multi-platinum music icon, reality TV superstar, creative entrepreneur, and dedicated philanthropist, is regarded as a "cultural touchdown" by entertainment industry leaders. On July 6, Michaels is set to bring his record-breaking Parti-Gras Tour to Carowinds. His iconic hits include "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," "Nothin' But A Good Time," "Talk Dirty to Me," and his popular cover of "Your Mama Don't Dance," among others.

This high-energy event will bring together iconic rock legends and emerging local talents for a full day of music and entertainment. Hosted at Carowinds' on-site amphitheater, The Paladium, this multi-weekend festival combines thrilling rides with live music, offering guests the ultimate summer destination experience.

Pearce, known for her authentic country sound and dynamic performances, will take the stage on July 19, accompanied by chart-topping country artist Niko Moon and singer-songwriter Hannah Ellis. Pearce's journey from leaving her Kentucky high school at 16 years old to sing at an amusement park to becoming an award-winning member of the Grand Ole Opry and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame with four No. 1 hit singles at country radio and two Grammy nominations, is a testament to her dedication and passion for country music. Ahead of her Carowinds performance, Pearce will release her highly anticipated fourth studio album, "hummingbird," on June 7.

The festival will also feature a host of talented openers warming up the stages for other major acts, including Johnnyswim opening for LeAnn Rimes on July 5, 10 Years opening for Skillet on August 2, and Blanco Brown opening for Flo Rida on August 9.

Hosted at Carowinds' on-site amphitheater, The Paladium, this multi-weekend festival combines thrilling rides with live music, offering guests the ultimate summer destination experience. The fest also features performances by regional bands and emerging artists throughout the park, including 10 acts performing in-park, showcasing a mix of Nashville recording artists and Carolina talent.

Coca-Cola North America and its West Coast regional bottling partner, Reyes Coca-Cola, have renewed their decade-long partnership with AEG, with the new deal including the launch of Coke Studio, a 3,300-square-foot fully immersive music studio and event space located at Crypto.com Arena.

Coke Studio soft opens to the public later this fall with an array of interactive experiences, podcast recordings, live performances, artist appearances, and exclusive branded merchandise and product offerings year-round. The studio is positioned on the corner of Figueroa Drive and Chick Hearn Court where the New Era D-Lab used to be located.

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