Breaking away from the tradition that often sees a new season begin with a patriotic song featuring all artist line-up, Coke Studio Season 14 has started with just two, but what a powerful duo it is. Naseebo Lal’s seasoned Rajasthani vocals open Tu Jhoom and ascend, leading you to the deep, mellow and extremely soothing balance that Abida Parveen brings in. There’s an unexpected and yet delightful shift in tone. Produced/curated by season producer Xulfi and written by Adnan Dhool of Soch The Band, Tu Jhoom also taps into the genius of Abdullah Siddiqui who calls it “quintessentially desi but in an updated, almost post-modern way.” The studio session lends another dimension to the song, making it larger than life. We’ve seen Coke Studio recordings in closed sets, the previous season recorded in isolation because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but this year’s video opens up to a choir and dancers. The usual setting is replaced by a more open space surrounded by delicately carved window panes, playing with light and shadows, lending an ethereal mood to dancers swaying to the beats. The lyrics play with the power in selflessness but also self-love, self-respect and confidence; Tu Jhoom is motivational on all levels.