PESHAWAR: An instrumental quartet from Pakistan, known for its performances in Coke Studio as well as for popularizing the rubab instrument among international audiences, is once more collaborating on the anthem for the popular Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, Peshawar Zalmi, using a mix of different languages and fusion and folk music to create a “new and experimental” sound.

‘Khumariyaan,’ which literally translates as ‘intoxicated,’ was formed in 2009 while the four bandmates Farhan Bogra, Aamer Shafiq, Shiraz Khan and Sparlay Rawail were students at the University of Peshawar. The group’s music is deeply rooted in Pashtoon folk tradition but the inclusion of acoustic guitarists allows them to update that sound for the modern world. 

At the heart of Khumariyaan’s sound is Bogra on rubab, a traditional, deeply resonant lute that to a Western ear may sound like a sharper-toned banjo. Bogra is accompanied by hand drumming by Khan on the goblet-shaped zerbaghali and Rawail and Shafiq on acoustic guitars.

In an interview to Arab News on Wednesday, Bogra explained that the group had been collaborating with Peshawar Zalmi, the PSL cricket franchise from their hometown of Peshawar, since the series was first launched in 2015. The aim for the collaborations, as always, is to promote their ethnic Pashtoon culture.

“From the very first episode of PSL, we are a part of Peshawar Zalmi,” Bogra said. “Till now, we have generated four local regional anthems which are very successful for them. And this year, in 2023 again, we are working with Peshawar Zalmi as one of the collaborative artists.”

The new season of the cricket franchise starts on Monday, Feb. 13. The PSL anthem is due to be released before then.

“It [anthem] is a mix-up of Pashto, Urdu, English international music and a fusion of local folk music,” Bogra said. “It is very new and experimental and Generation Z sort of music which the youth is going to love.”

Bogra thanked the management of Zalmi for relying on the band throughout the years, saying it was “an honor for us” to be part of the new anthem.

“Every year,” he said, “the combination of music and tournament is getting better. Every year, it is getting bigger.”

Speaking about the composition, Bogra said “it’s all about emotions.”

“It’s all about feelings, and it’s all about sports. Since, you know, when we are creating something, we also feel all those vibes which you are having in the ground. So, I hope the fans will appreciate it.”

This year’s Zalmi anthem also includes other young artists like Shahid Khan, who is widely known by the moniker “Naughty Boy,” as well as Bilal Avaz, Zahoor and Altamash.

“The music notes are very fresh,” Bogra said. “It is something very different. Zahoor is the guy who initiated the composition, Bilal Avaz gave it a kick, Naughty Boy gave it a vision and Altimash added his high notes. Khumariyaan added the flavor of [regional instruments] rubab, sitar and sarinda to the anthem.”

Asked if he had a message for Zalmi fans and PSL enthusiasts, Bogra asked them to support Peshawar and Pashto music.

“I support Peshawar Zalmi, I support the young artists,” he said. “Support your Pashto music., you know, learn it, feel it, spread the good vibes, and Pakistan Zindabad [long live Pakistan].”