Momina Mustehsan’s debut in Coke Studio alongside Rahat Fateh Ali Khan with “Afreen” was one that spiraled out of control, garnering fans all over Pakistan and across the border. Multiple renditions were made, covers posted on social media and online. On another instance, Mahira Khan’s debut in Bollywood alongside Shah Rukh Khan was a whole new level of achievement. The first love-balled to be released from the film “Raees“, Zaalima was a chart-topper and a hit with moviegoers, shaadi choreographers and those who turn up their car stereo while casually cruising on the road.
One of most popular (and my personal favorite) rendition was a merger of both by an A Cappella group named SAMAA based in the U.S.
After four years of touring under University of Illinois’ premiere South Asian a cappella group, Chai Town, the alumni are now part of SAMAA. With their unique blend of music, SAMAA boasts five individuals from five different regions speaking five languages: Sidd, Ali, Milan, Ansh and Allen with just one thing in common: their shared love for music.
With music that borrows from Bollywood and fuses with western pop, SAMAA has quickly gained popularity on social media past their first cover, “Channa Mereya and Teri Ore”
The group’s latest project was asking for contributions under the #SingWithSAMAA challenge and the response was OVER-WHELMING.
With entries flooding in from desis all over the world, they created a video that showcased uber talented individuals based in Pakistan and India alongside a few expats.
There was Ali from Sialkot, hitting just the right notes.
Munaz from Mangaluru, with her nightingale voice.
Dr. Rabail from Hyderabad whose voice alone can save lives.
A very special Romesa from Lahore who should probably be driving to her next Coke Studio audition right now.
And the strongest in the ensemble (strictly personal opinion and not because he’s also from Islamabad) Mobeen whose cotton-candy voice can put you to sleep any time, any day.
Special shout-out to my boy Justin for them pearly-whites.
As if that voice wasn’t endearing enough already.
Listen to the whole cover here and bob your head as you do:
Can somebody make a cross-border boy girl music band extraordinaire with all of these good folks already???