Season 14 of Coke Studio kicked off with a bang. The song “Tu Jhoom” featuring Naseebo Lal and Abida Parveen is a hit. In a matter of just a few days, the song has crossed over six million views on YouTube!
However, the hit song has become the center of controversy in recent times. Nirmala Maghani, a young singer from Umerkot accused music producer Xulfi of lifting the melody from her sample in producing “Tu Jhoom“.
She is backed by various singers and artists who agree with her claim. They believe the youngster deserves due credit and acknowledgment from Xulfi and the Coke Studio team.
Xulfi’s Statement
Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan (aka Xulfi) has come forward to share his side of the story. While Nirmala claims to have sent the demo in June, Xulfi states that he and fellow producer Abdullah Siddiqui came up with the hook for “Tu Jhoom” earlier.
“I produce and collaborate in the spirit of inclusivity and my work with Coke Studio holds the same philosophy,” Xulfi states, “My work is not borrowed or without credit, given that what I share with the world is work that relies on the very essence of partnership and collaboration. I hope this to be evident in my entire body of work produced in my career.”
The music producer has no issue with Nirmala and hopes to work with her someday as he further states his goals and aims for the future of Coke Studio.
“When we set out to make this season, our goal was to make Pakistani music heard worldwide. Our aim was to present our music, our young talent and our icons in a way that shows the world what we are capable of. What we stand for as a nation. Our aim was to create a cultural moment of glory for Pakistan.”
Xulfi and Coke Studio gave a screen recording of their WhatsApp conversation from May. Here, Xulfi and Abdullah discuss the hook for “Tu Jhoom“.
Another Twist?
This new evidence clears the producer of the allegations made by Nirmala. However, educator and musician Beena Raza came in defense of the young singer. She confirms that Nirmala sent her the composition, along with other samples before May!
“I try to keep in touch with as many from the upcoming lot as I can and Nirmala did send me this sample among others sometime in April 2021,” Beena Raza confirming her statement.
It appears that this issue is yet to be resolved. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
