KARACHI: Coke Studio Pakistan’s newly launched Nu.WAV platform has made its debut with the release of its first song, Dil, receiving a mixed response from listeners on social media.
The debut track brings together contemporary Pakistani artists including Afusic, Ali Soomro and Zoha Waseem. Afusic and Ali Soomro are known for their viral hit Pal Pal, while Zoha Waseem gained widespread attention after her song Majboor went viral.
Directed by filmmaker Kamal Khan, the music video for Dil uses a distinctly retro-inspired visual style. Old-fashioned television sets, neon lights and colourful visuals create a nostalgic atmosphere, while the song explores the idea that happiness comes from opening one’s heart and giving love.
Afusic opens the track with emotional reflections on love, while Zoha Waseem appears in the latter part of the song with the soft vocal style that previously attracted attention through Majboor.
The release quickly sparked discussion online, particularly on X, where listeners expressed both enthusiasm and criticism. Some fans welcomed the different musical direction and praised the artists involved, with several listeners highlighting Zoha Waseem’s vocals.
Others were less impressed with the debut and questioned the collaboration and overall execution of the track. Some social media users also jokingly suggested that audiences were already comparing Nu.WAV with the traditional Coke Studio sound rather than allowing the new platform to establish its own identity.
Nu.WAV was introduced through Coke Studio Pakistan’s Instagram account on August 23. The platform has been presented as a separate creative space designed to give musicians, filmmakers and visual artists greater freedom to experiment with sounds, visuals and storytelling.
Created by Kamal Khan, Nu.WAV describes itself as the “sound of the people.” Instead of following the established Coke Studio formula, the platform aims to allow artists to build their own creative worlds and explore unconventional ideas.
The inaugural edition features several names from Pakistan’s contemporary music scene, including Asim Azhar, Hasan Raheem, Young Stunners, Shae Gill, Maanu, Rovalio and Abdullah Kasumbi.
Following Dil, five additional tracks — Maheya, Rangeen, Qasam, Shabnam and Ae Deewan-e-Dil — are expected to be released as part of Nu.WAV’s first edition.
With its experimental approach, Nu.WAV appears aimed at a younger and more diverse audience. Whether the platform can establish a distinct identity will depend on how audiences respond to its upcoming releases.
