Yar Daddi by Ali Zafar

Yar Daddi by Ali Zafar is based on a 19th-Century Sufi poem by Khwaja Ghulam Farid. From Coke Studio (Season 2, Episode 3, broadcast July 12, 2009). In Saraiki with English translation.

Free downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Bulleya by Riaz Ali Khan

Bulleya is based on an 18th-Century poem by Bulleh Shah, where he addresses himself; contemplating our origin, identity, and relationship to the universe. The poem itself is a bit longer and now one of Bulleh Shah's best known, having been recorded by a variety of musicians including Junoon and Rabbi Shergill (whose versions are found on Youtube). This version has a smooth contemplative feel. From Coke Studio (Season 2, Episode 4, broadcast July 26, 2009). In Punjabi with English translation.

Free downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Dastan-e-Ishq by Ali Zafar

Also known as Dastaan (story), and written by Ali Zafar (singing) and Baqir Abbas (on flute). This song includes several lines by famous Sufi poets from Punjab, and references to the romantic legend of Heer Ranjha. Another great song from Coke Studio (Season 2, Episode 2, broadcast June 28, 2009). Thanks to Faiz and others who helped with the translation. In Punjabi with English translation.

Free downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Aik Alif by Saieen Zahoor and Noori

Based on an 18th-Century poem by Bulleh Shah, where he questions religious hypocrisy and himself, and realizes that what he's struggled to find is actually simple. A beautiful song from Coke Studio (Season 2, Episode 1, broadcast June 14, 2009). Noori includes brothers Ali Noor and Ali Hamza, who are reunited here with drummer Gumby. This was a joy to translate and there were many people interested in the meaning who helped out. In Punjabi with English translation.

This translation was mentioned in an article in The News International newspaper in Karachi.

Free downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Meray Log by Noori

Change is the only constant my people. Noori is a rock band formed in Lahore, Pakistan by brothers Ali Noor (vocal and lead) and Ali Hamza (vocal and bass), and including others at various times such as Gumby (drums) and Muhammad Ali Jafri (bass guitar). Directed by Ali Noor’s wife, Mandana Zaidi. In Urdu with English translation.

It's hard to find Noori's music to buy online, but more information on the band is available at their website: nooriworld.net

Jhok Ranjhan by Mekaal Hasan Band

Mekaal Hasan Band brilliantly combines elements of Rock, Jazz, and Classical South-Asian music. Jhok Ranjhan is based on a 16th-Century Sufi poem by Shah Hussain. Includes Mekaal Hasan (guitar), Javed Bashir (vocals), Ahsan Papu (bansuri flute), and Gumby (drums). Directed by Zeeshan Parwez. In Punjabi with English translation.

Available from Amazon.com:  MP3 Album (Saptak)
Available from CD Baby:  Album (Saptak)