# Nescafé Basement

Nescafé Basement is a Pakistani music television series which features studio-recorded performances by underground and emerging artists. The show is produced by Nescafé. The artists are recruited and mentored by Xulfi, who is also the music producer of the show. The first song released from Nescafé Basement was a cover of Sajjad Ali's "Larri Adda".
The show has been critically acclaimed by critics all over the world for its high quality of production, musical instruments used and the camera work.

## Season 1

In September 2012, the brand went around college campuses looking for young, exceptionally talented, but unknown musicians who could sing and play a variety of instruments. The 15 best musicians were then mentored by Xulfi from the band Call.

## Season 2

Out of 1,253 young artists who auditioned (compared to only 98 for the first season), Xulfi selected 19 (whereas 14 were selected last season) from major cities across the country.
Nescafe Basement 2 had eight weekly episodes, each showcasing two songs with behind-the-scenes documentaries which highlight the journey of hidden musical prodigies. Apart from television broadcasts, the show will also have a digital component that includes their website, Facebook page and Twitter.

## Season 5

The season 5 of the show featured a total number of 73 artists' under Xulfi's mentorship and was one of the most praised seasons of a music show in the subcontinent and worldwide featuring hit tracks like Bol Hu, Mehbooba and Piya Re.
Tracks in Season 5:
* Jaagna To Parega - Season Promo
* Bol Hu - Soch The Band ft. Hadiya Hashmi
* Mehbooba
* Haiderium - Zain Ali and Zohaib Ali
* Ranjhna - Shahzad-e-Ali
* Teri Yaad - Ali Khan
* Piya Re - Jahangir Niazi
* Resistance - Abdullah Siddiqui
* Aadat Instrumental - Bhanwaray ft. Goher Mumtaz
* Gharoli Ghoom Charakhra - Tahseen Sakina and Baluch Twins

## Season 6

Episode 1: The Grand Premiere
Theme: Introduction to the new season and the talented lineup of artists. Highlights: Xulfi introduces the new batch of musicians, emphasizing the season's focus on experimentation and collaboration. The episode features a powerful opening performance, blending traditional Pakistani instruments with modern sounds. A cover of a classic Pakistani song is reimagined with a fresh, contemporary twist. Episode 2: Fusion of Cultures
Theme: Exploring the fusion of Eastern and Western musical styles. Highlights: A collaborative performance featuring sitar, tabla, and electric guitar. A cover of a popular international track infused with desi elements. Xulfi discusses the importance of preserving cultural roots while embracing global influences. Episode 3: The Power of Lyrics
Theme: Focus on storytelling through music and the art of songwriting. Highlights: Original compositions by the artists, showcasing their lyrical prowess. A soulful rendition of a classic Urdu ghazal. Xulfi mentors the artists on how to convey emotions effectively through their lyrics. Episode 4: Rock Revival
Theme: Celebrating the rock genre and its influence on Pakistani music. Highlights: High-energy performances of iconic rock anthems, both international and local. A mashup of classic rock riffs with traditional Pakistani folk melodies. The episode pays tribute to legendary rock bands from Pakistan. Episode 5: Acoustic Vibes
Theme: Stripping down songs to their raw, acoustic form. Highlights: Intimate performances featuring acoustic guitars, pianos, and minimal percussion. A heartfelt cover of a popular ballad, highlighting the artists' vocal abilities. Xulfi emphasizes the beauty of simplicity in music. Episode 6: Electronic Experimentation
Theme: Incorporating electronic and synth elements into traditional music. Highlights: A futuristic take on a classic Pakistani folk song. Original tracks featuring electronic beats and innovative sound design. The artists experiment with digital tools to create unique soundscapes. Episode 7: Tribute to Legends
Theme: Honoring the musical legends of Pakistan. Highlights: Covers of songs by iconic artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, and Vital Signs. The artists share personal stories about how these legends inspired their musical journeys. Xulfi reflects on the enduring legacy of Pakistani music. Episode 8: Collaborative Magic
Theme: Showcasing the power of collaboration among the artists. Highlights: Group performances where multiple artists come together to create something extraordinary. A medley of popular songs from different genres, seamlessly blended into one performance. Xulfi highlights the importance of teamwork and mutual respect in music. Episode 9: Original Compositions
Theme: Spotlight on the artists' original work. Highlights: Each artist performs a self-composed song, showcasing their unique style and creativity. The episode features a diverse range of genres, from pop and rock to Sufi and folk. Xulfi provides feedback and encouragement, helping the artists refine their craft. Episode 10: The Grand Finale
Theme: Celebrating the journey and achievements of the season. Highlights: A spectacular finale performance featuring all the artists. Special guest appearances by renowned musicians from the Pakistani music industry. Xulfi delivers an emotional speech, thanking the artists and the audience for their support. The season concludes with a promise of more musical adventures in the future. Nescafé Basement Season 6 is remembered for its innovative approach to music, the incredible talent of its artists, and Xulfi's unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Each episode is a testament to the power of music to inspire, unite, and transcend boundaries.
The most appreciated and liked audio track of Season 6 is "Na Milay" by HAVI · Afifa Moin · Arsalan Hasan · Haider Abbass.

## Performers

* Abdullah Qureshi (Singer)
* Leo Twins
* Soch the Band
* Goher Mumtaz
* Tahseen Sakina
* Hadiya Hashmi
* Jahangir Niazi
* Zain Ali and Zohaib Ali
* Bhanwaray
* Baluch Twins
* Abdullah Siddiqui
* Wooly and the Uke

## Awards

* Winner in Hot Beverages - PAS Awards 2013
* Most Magnetic Branded Content - Maxus Magnets Award 2013