The hitmakers reflect on their musical journey and their upcoming performance in Dubai.
After a stellar debut in 2022, Coke Studio Live is making a triumphant return to Dubai, bringing the magic of Pakistan’s most beloved music show to an international stage. This year’s edition, titled Unbound, promises to raise the bar, with a lineup of artists. Among the most anticipated performances are Annural Khalid and Maanu, whose chart-topping track Jhol – released as part of Coke Studio Pakistan 15 – has become a global sensation, breaking borders and bringing audiences together.
In an exclusive chat with FACT, Annural Khalid and Maanu discuss their journey in creating Jhol, personal milestones, and excitement about performing in Dubai.
Annural Khalid’s story is one of unexpected beginnings. Hailing from Islamabad, music was always a passion for her, but never something she considered pursuing professionally – until the pandemic struck. Sharing cover songs on Instagram during lockdown was initially just a creative outlet, but her talent didn’t go unnoticed. As her following grew and local celebrities began resharing her videos, Annural realised her voice was resonating with people. Soon, she transitioned from covers to crafting her own original tracks, gaining a loyal fanbase and establishing herself as one of Pakistan’s rising stars. Her musical influences include the early 2000s hit Pakistani names such as Falak Shabbir and Mustafa Zahid, known for their romantic ballads, which shaped her “mellow and slow R&B vibes”.
Maanu’s journey, on the other hand, was more deliberate. Like many artists of his generation, his relationship with music began early. Maanu – originally Rehman Ashfar – was only nine when he started playing the piano, which he later swapped for a guitar. Over the years, he honed his craft and delved into hip-hop. For him, music is rooted in storytelling and composition, with writing always taking precedence. This approach birthed Jhol, a song he had written long before it found its way to Coke Studio.
Reflecting on the success of Jhol — which has amassed over 30 million views on YouTube alone, both Annural Khalid and Maanu expressed their awe. “I’m still in denial. Every time I perform this song live, I think that’s when I can really feel how loved it is,” says Maanu, who mentioned in an earlier interview that it was also his mother’s favourite track before she passed away. “Everyone knows it, and there’s this unusual energy when the crowd sings along. I could have never imagined it would have been this big.”
But it wasn’t until Jhol was pitched to Xulfi, the maestro behind Coke Studio Season 15 and a powerhouse in Pakistan’s music industry, that its potential was unlocked. Xulfi immediately recognised the need for a complementary female voice. and Annural Khalid’s soulful vocals proved to be the perfect fit. “Annural Khalid was the first person that came to our minds because of the way she sings in Punjabi,” shared Maanu.
For Annural Khalid, the opportunity was a dream come true. Ever since her singing videos started gaining traction, her mother had been praying for her to one day make it to Coke Studio — which the 24-year-old thought would never happen. “Just because I have a few followers doesn’t mean I’m going to be on Coke Studio,” she recalls telling her mother. But the moment finally arrived, and Jhol became an instant hit, resonating deeply with fans and solidifying its place as one of the standout tracks of the season.
Before Jhol’s success and appearance at Coke Studio, Annural Khalid and Maanu faced their own set of challenges as they navigated the music industry. For Annural Khalid, the path wasn’t always clear, but her passion for music kept her going. “I wasn’t confined to anything,” she shared. “I was just doing my own thing musically.” This approach to making music allowed her to focus on her art without the pressure of external expectations.
Maanu echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the importance of staying true to oneself. “When I started making music, I was doing it for myself,” he said. “It was more of a ‘just do it’ mentality. Plus, in this career, the only time you feel like you’re doing a good job is when you’re at a show and people are singing with you. So it’s important to block out the noise.”
But one issue that has sparked debate in the music industry was the use of auto-tune. Maanu explained, “It’s not a crutch, it’s more about style.” He emphasised that most songs today feature some form of vocal processing, and he personally enjoys using it in his own music. Annural Khalid echoed this sentiment, stressing that auto-tune is simply another tool in an artist’s kit.
One viral social media moment that has particularly caught the attention of Annural Khalid and Maanu is a reel circulating on Instagram and TikTok. The video features a chaotic scene of two cars in a parking lot, parked in a way that it looks like they’ve crashed because Jhol was playing. “That’s when you know a song is a hit.” Maanu quipped. “Someone said they got a speeding ticket while listening to Jhol,'” Annural Khalid chuckled. “That’s when you know it’s really connecting with people. If it catches on online, it’s a sign that it’s reaching the right audience.”
As Jhol continues to soar, a lingering question remains — would it have received the same kind of reaction if Coke Studio hadn’t stepped in to elevate it? For Maanu, it’s a question he finds himself asking often. “I honestly don’t know,” he admitted. “I’d like to believe it would have done well on its own, but Coke Studio is a huge platform that you can’t ignore.”
While Maanu acknowledges that Jhol might not have reached the same level of exposure without the show, he remains confident in the track’s potential. “It would have still done well, maybe not this well.” However, for him, the true test lies ahead. “The real measure will be when we release other music independently. If that does well too, then we know it’s not just a one-hit wonder because of the platform.”
In fact, Annural Khalid and Maanu admit that Jhol and its success marked a significant turning point in their perception. “After Jhol and Coke Studio, people started respecting us more as artists. They started seeing you as someone capable of making good music,” Maanu noted on the visibility and credibility that came with Jhol.
Despite the memes and appreciation, both Annural Khalid and Maanu recognise the deep connection the song has sparked, especially across borders — in India. “It’s amazing to see people love the song so much,” said Maanu. Annural shared,” I actually have more listeners in India than I do in Pakistan, and Delhi is my top city. We’ve never sung for them before, so that makes the upcoming Coke Studio Live performance special for us.”
For Maanu, the anticipation regarding his performance in Dubai is palpable, but so are the nerves. “I am very nervous, but I’m also super excited,” he admitted. “It’s definitely a high-pressure situation, but at the same time, it’s so surreal. Last year, I visited Dubai, and as we passed by the Coca-Cola Arena, I remember thinking, ‘One day, I’d love to be on stage there.’ And now, it’s actually happening. It’s wild.” Annural Khalid, on the other hand, is just brimming with excitement. “I’m 100% excited,” she said. “This is going to be such a rewarding experience.”
Coke Studio has been a leading platform for musicians in Pakistan — and across the world — bringing the most talented acts from the nation under one roof to create exemplary music. It blends different styles, cultures, and sounds to create special and unique tunes. And the upcoming Coke Studio Live, taking place on 8 December at Coca-Cola Arena, promises to take this experience to a whole new level.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
