Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan is one of the few Pakistani musicians who has consistently supported and promoted fresh talent from all his platforms. Xulfi constantly brings out the best in the current generation of artists, whether it’s for Nescafe Basement or production at his studio.
One of Xulfi’s most well-known qualities is his encouragement of young talent. Nescafe Basement is a prime example, where talented but undiscovered artists were discovered and given a platform to perform.
When Coke Studio at that time was featuring mega Pakistani stars, music scientist Xulfi was busy in his lab experimenting with young talent in the Nescafe Basement, and what great talents he found, and what wonder hits he’s produced. He’s been a mentor to these musicians, guiding them to the respect they deserved.
It’s just unbelievable for all of us to think that he can steal someone’s art, as he is the one always bringing up new talent.
For Xulfi casting a young talent would be way easier than picking up 5 seconds of someone’s claim. If he really heard the music tune of Nirmala Mughani, he would have casted her, that sounds more like the Xulfi we have seen over the years.
Coke Studio 14 aired on January 14 with a massive showcase that featured Naseebo Lal and Abida Parveen in one song.
Not only did the song go viral within hours of its release, but it also led Coke Studio fans to say that the studio they had lost had returned. Tu Jhoom was written by Adnan Dhool, Xulfi composed and mixed it, and Xulfi and Abdullah Siddiqui arranged and produced it.
Xulfi was accused of copying this song supplied to him by a rising singer in June, which sparked controversy. The music, however, was an original idea of the new Coke Studio producer and Abdullah Siddiqui, according to the new Coke Studio producer.
Nirmala Maghani, a singer from Umarkot, says she provided this tune to Xulfi in June 2021, when she was auditioning for a slot as a featured artist on Coke Studio 14.
Xulfi never responded to her messages, as one would expect from a celebrity being approached by a random singer.
The sample had a melody that was similar to that of ‘Tu Jhoom.’ Xulfi’s reputation was on the line, but he came clean and produced pertinent evidence to refute the allegations levelled against him.
A short clip was released showing Xulfi and Abdullah Siddiqui (Associate Producer) discussing and sharing the melody for the song “Tu Jhoom.” The chat reveals distinct timelines that refute Xulfi’s accusations.
Nirmala delivered the audio sample in June, but the Coke Studio producers’ WhatsApp discussion happened in May 2021, a month before Nirmala even contacted Xulfi.
That assertion implies she sent the content in late June, which Xulfi, for the record, was unable to download due to his preoccupation with Coke Studio’s production [proof of non-download also exists].
It can be seen that the conversation (between Xulfi and Abdullah Siddiqui) took part in May 2021, with the proof of the melody already in finalized phase.
Even Xulfi’s statement had a certain level of warmth for the youngster reiterating his lifelong resolve of supporting new talent.
He said, “As I shared with you earlier, I produce and collaborate in the spirit of inclusivity and my work with Coke Studio holds the same philosophy. 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.”
“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,” he continued.
The producer emphasized, “Coke Studio is Pakistan’s biggest cultural export and connector of hearts and souls; it has consistently brought people together for art, progression, and positivity. And that power is very dear to me and one that I’ve absorbed heavily this season. I don’t take the fabric of Coke Studio lightly but rather wear it as a cloak of responsibility and pride.”
“And indeed, I look forward to continue working with our brilliant artists, from all over the country; for they truly are the present and future of Pakistani music! The CS14 journey for you has just started. We hope to take you along in these moments of love and discovery and we hope you fall in love with these artists and these moments,” he concluded.
A number of well-known musicians have also tweeted in support of the producer.
This is incorrect. ‘Tu Jhoom’ was composed/recorded in demo form a month prior to the time the folk singer is claiming they shared a song/melody (that too unsolicited)
— MEESHA SHAFI (@itsmeeshashafi) January 18, 2022
Proof of this was apparently shared with all relevant parties and this story still ran. Meh. Moving on.
Rohail Hyatt has tweeted about the problem, emphasising that compositions in the same raag always sound identical, presenting examples of various note combinations, and emphasising that two composers can theoretically come up with the same composition while working in the same raag (which is again, a particular combination of notes). While this is undoubtedly true, coincidence is exceedingly unlikely in the context of Nirmala’s assertion.
A lack of understanding about raag based folk tunes usually ends up in controversy with someone claiming their idea has been copied. Songs in the same raag always sound similar. Even the melodies can be near identical. Lyrics matter.#TuJhoom#cokestudio14#AbidaParveen#xulfi
— Rohail Hyatt (@rohailhyatt) January 19, 2022
