Rustam Fateh Ali Khan & Sumru Ağıryürüyen

Rustam Fateh Ali Khan:
is a name that strives to preserve the musical roots of the subcontinent. He is the son and disciple of Ustad Fateh Ali Khan with his foundations set in the esteemed Patiala Gharana – a school of music that has produced some of the finest musicians to date. Rustam has received acclaim for his renditions across the globe having performed in South Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Following through with his passion to educate the youth in the heritage of the Subcontinent, Rustam teaches the M.A degree in Musicology at Punjab University Lahore, Pakistan being the first classical singer to do so.

‘I have been listening to Coke Studio for some time now. I feel that this is the time for Fusion so you can and should experiment with the kind of music you create. It keeps music alive. Coke Studio has its own style, which is a product of its own experiment. It has its own Sound. It has been a pleasure for me to be a part of this experience.’

On this Season of Coke Studio, Rustam brings to us the unique qualities that eccentric raags present when in cohesion with contemporary influences.

Sumru Ağıryürüyen:
Set in the continental bridge of Istanbul, we meet the singer and mandolinist Sumru Ağıryürüyen. True to the culture that Turkey’s heritage presents today, Sumru embodies a sense of intercultural fusion meeting both the East and the West with her various music styles.

Sumru is a seasoned artist. Her performances span from events like the Istanbul Music Festival 2012, the European Music Forum to the Strasbourg Méditerranée 2011 to name a few of her many showcases – she has performed with world class musicians in Europe, the U.S, Russia, Azerbaijan, Syria, Israel and Qatar. She has a solo album ‘Issız-Solitude’, and a voice-cello duo album with Anil Eraslan ‘Sert Sessizler-Harsh Consonants’, two Balkan music albums ‘Ayde Mori’ and ‘Balkan Journey’, and ‘Klez-mez’ with her group. Other than her forte in singing, her contributions to the arts have also been as music director, composer and radio host.

On her experience with Coke Studio this Season:
‘Every experience teaches you something. I think to touch each other culturally with you and us is something very new for me. I tried to catch the same language between the cultures. It creates hope about the future. Feeling the energy here is great.’

On this Season of Coke Studio, Sumru brings to the mix her varied vocal expression alongside traditional Turkish elements that meet the compositions of this region in complete harmony.