Coke Studio Pakistan’s Nu.WAV debut receives mixed online reaction

Coke Studio Pakistan’s newly launched **Nu.WAV** platform has made its debut with the release of its first song, *Dil*,

Coke Studio Pakistan’s newly launched **Nu.WAV** platform has made its debut with the release of its first song, *Dil*, but the track has received a mixed response from listeners online. While some fans welcomed the fresh direction and praised the artists involved, others questioned whether the new platform was being judged fairly or simply compared with the established Coke Studio format.

The debut track brings together some of Pakistan’s emerging and popular musical voices, including Afusic and Ali Soomro, known for their viral hit *Pal Pal*, along with newcomer Zoha Waseem, who gained widespread attention last year after her song *Majboor* went viral.

Directed by filmmaker Kamal Khan, the music video for *Dil* follows a distinctly retro-inspired visual style. Old-fashioned television sets, neon lights and colourful visuals create a nostalgic atmosphere throughout the video. The song itself revolves around the idea that the real happiness of life lies in opening one’s heart and giving love.

Afusic begins the track with emotional reflections on love while appearing to float in the air, giving the opening sequence a dreamlike quality. Zoha Waseem takes over during the latter half of the song, bringing the soft and soothing vocal style that previously helped make *Majboor* popular among listeners.

The release quickly sparked discussion on social media, particularly on X, where reactions varied significantly. Some listeners expressed excitement about seeing Coke Studio explore a different musical direction. One enthusiastic user simply wrote, “OH SHIT COKE STUDIO HELL YEAHHHH,” reflecting the excitement surrounding the platform’s arrival.

Others were particularly impressed by Zoha Waseem’s performance. One listener praised her contribution, saying that “Zoha Waseem totally smashed it,” while several users highlighted her vocals as one of the strongest aspects of the track.

However, not everyone was impressed with the debut. Some listeners criticised the song and questioned how the platform had managed to produce what they considered an underwhelming collaboration between Afusic and Zoha Waseem. Others jokingly questioned whether millennials had already begun comparing Nu.WAV with the traditional Coke Studio sound instead of allowing the new platform to develop its own identity.

Nu.WAV was officially introduced through Coke Studio Pakistan’s Instagram account on August 23. The initiative has been presented as a separate creative space from the traditional Coke Studio format. It aims to provide musicians, filmmakers and visual artists with greater freedom to experiment with independent sounds, visual styles and storytelling.

Created by Kamal Khan, Nu.WAV describes itself as the “sound of the people.” Rather than following the established formula associated with Coke Studio, the platform is intended to give artists an opportunity to develop their own creative worlds and explore unconventional ideas.

The first edition features several well-known names from Pakistan’s contemporary music scene, including Asim Azhar, Hasan Raheem, Young Stunners, Shae Gill, Maanu, Rovalio and Abdullah Kasumbi.

Following the release of *Dil*, five additional tracks — *Maheya*, *Rangeen*, *Qasam*, *Shabnam* and *Ae Deewan-e-Dil* — are expected to be released as part of Nu.WAV’s inaugural edition.

With its experimental approach, the new platform appears to be aiming for a younger and more diverse audience. Whether Nu.WAV can establish an identity of its own, however, may depend on how audiences respond to the upcoming releases.