Coke Studio’s Nu.WAV is out, but it’s first song has left listeners divided.
While some have praised the song’s sound and visuals, others say the new direction falls short of what they expect from Coke Studio, with many still trying to understand where Nu.WAV fits in the franchise.
Nu.WAV was introduced as a platform where artists, producers and storytellers can define their own sound, communities and audiences. The platform focuses on new singers, emerging artists and a new generation of musicians, giving them room to create and experiment with their music.
The release of ‘Dil’ has also led to confusion among some listeners, with people initially treating Nu.WAV as the next Coke Studio season.
“People are so confused about Coke Studio Nu.WAV. Some people think that this is Coke Studio Season 16, but that’s not the case,” one user wrote, explaining that Nu.WAV is a separate platform.
Another user said that Nu.WAV should be viewed as a separate initiative rather than Coke Studio Season 16, adding that the platform gives artists “the freedom to create and experiment with their own music and sound”.
‘Dil’ features Afusic and Ali Soomro of ‘Pal Pal’ fame, alongside newcomer Zoha Waseem, who gained recognition after her song ‘Majboor’ went viral.
The song revolves around the line “Jeenay ka maza hai dil de ke”, while its video uses old-school televisions, purple neon lights and a retro-inspired visual direction.
Directed by Kamal Khan, the video presents the song with a vintage look while the music follows the direction of Nu.WAV.
Some listeners praised the combination of music and visuals.
“The blend of these poetic lyrics and the artistic visual direction is pure magic,” one user wrote, calling the track “a total masterpiece from the whole Coke Studio team”.
Another listener described the release as a “banger” and said, “Coke studio never disappoints.”
Others focused on the production and visual elements.
“From Set design to Effects Animation, Background, Audio everything is feeling modern and new,” a user wrote, adding that traditional Coke Studio and Nu.WAV can both have their own appeal.
Another listener said that Nu.WAV “got the catch”, describing the move towards modern music videos as something that could become a game changer for the Pakistani music industry.
However, not everyone welcomed the change.
“I love that Coke studio has taken the initiative to promote young artists but at the same time don’t forget OG coke Studio fans,” one user wrote, adding that fans were “yearning for some soulful music” associated with Coke Studio.
Some reactions were more direct in their criticism. “New Coke Studio song sounds absolute as at first listen tbh,” one user wrote. Another said, “The song was so badd. Can’t believe they went from coke studio regular stuff to this sht.”
At the same time, some listeners pushed back against the criticism, with one asking, “Am I the only one who likes the new Coke studio song? It’s a banger.”
The conversation also extended beyond Pakistan.
“Love from India, Pakistani songs day by day gets amazing,” one listener wrote, while another Indian reaction read, “What’s the matter with you Coke Studio Pakistan, you always fulfil expectations.”
Another Indian user simply wrote, “It’s stuck in my head.”
Listeners from Bangladesh, France and the Philippines also shared their reactions. “What a track! Love from Bangladesh,” one user wrote.
“Nu wave. New spirit love you coke studio from France,” another said. A listener from the Philippines wrote, “Coke studio Pakistan is so amazing, admiring it from Philippines.”
