Kana Yaari (Balochi: کنا یاری) is a Balochi-language single by Pakistani singers Kaifi Khalil, Eva B, Wahab Bugti.[4] It was released on 19 January 2022 as the 1st song, episode 1, season 14 of Coke Studio Pakistan. The song addresses themes of betrayal and unfulfilled promises within relationships. The song was also featured in a dance by Norwegian group Quick Style. As of February 2025, the song has more than 105 million views on YouTube.[5][6][7]
Background and production
The concept for "Kana Yaari" was developed by Kaifi Khalil, who composed the melody and co-wrote the lyrics with Eva B and Abdul Wahab Bugti.[8] The production, led by Coke Studio's producer Xulfi (Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan), aimed to blend traditional Balochi musical elements with contemporary sounds, creating a genre referred to as "Balochi-pop" or "B-pop".[9] Associate producers Abdullah Siddiqui, Arsalan Hasan, and Sherry Khattak contributed to the arrangement and production, incorporating both conventional instruments like the dambura and modern electronic beats.[10]
Release
"Kana Yaari" was released on January 19, 2022, as part of Coke Studio Pakistan season 14.[11] It premiered on Coke Studio's YouTube channel and quickly gained widespread popularity, introducing Balochi music to mainstream audiences. The song features Kaifi Khalil, known for merging Balochi music with modern pop, Abdul Wahab Bugti, a folk musician skilled in the traditional dambura, and Eva B, Pakistan's first female Balochi rapper.[12] Their collaboration symbolizes cultural unity and introduces Balochi music to mainstream audiences, showcasing Pakistan's diverse musical heritage.[13][10][7]
