Monday, 6 October 2014

Coke Studio Middle East with Diana Yukawa

Coke Studio returns to the Middle East for a third season on MBC and will features artists including, Maya Diab, Jason Derulo, Asala Nasri, Nile Rodgers and Diana Yukawa.


Episode three of Coke Studios’ TV series centres around the collaborative journey between Diana Yukawa, Songwriter and Violinist and Jadal, a Jordanian Arabic Rock band, resulting in a special “fusion” track arranged and performed by both artists.


The TV series, in partnership with Universal Music MENA and MBC Group, is a unique cultural experience where Arab Superstars and major international Artists push boundaries creating original fusion music.

Unlike most other Coke Studio episodes, Diana’s episode was filmed on location in and around Amman, Jordan – the home town of Jadal. - “I'm fortunate enough to have visited many different places in the Middle East, but Jordan is somewhere I've always wanted to go so when this opportunity arose, I was really happy!” comments Diana.

The episode features the fusion track as well as an exclusive performance of one of Diana’s own new solo tracks, destined for her next album.


Diana comments “I feel very strongly about different cultures coming together. Not only cultures but musical genres also. I think that the Coke Studio show represents something very important. It doesn't matter who we are or where we're from, but what we do with different people to come together, be united and create something positive to move forward with. Music is a wonderful and powerful way to do this, because music is a universal language that can be understood and felt by anybody.”

Headed by Mahmoud Radaideh, Jadal are one of the first Arabic rock bands in the region, starting their journey with their cover “Kol Ma Gool Al-Tobah” for the legendary Egyptian artist Abdel Halim Hafez in Jadal’s Arabic Rock style.

“Throwing people in a situation where they have to creatively work together when they've never met is a risky thing! However I think this was a risk worth taking because I'm really happy with what Jadal and I created together. Mahmoud and the rest of Jadal are really lovely” comments Diana.

Season 3 features captivating fusion collaborations between the most diverse group of artists yet; Kool & The Gang and Asala Nasri Tom Novy and Shatha Hassoun;; Diana Yukawa and JadaL Band; Jason Derulo and Maya Diab; Nile Rodgers and Mashrou3 Leila; Sandy Möllin and Black R and David Penn and Balqees Fathi.

All of these chart busting tracks, including Diana and Jadals’ are expertly produced by internationally acclaimed music producer Hadi Sharara, who returns to enable the artists to create excellence. Coke Studio Fusion Series 3 Album is available to pre-order now on Anghami and itunes: www.itunes.com/cokestudio.

“Even though Hadi wasn't in Jordan with us, his input was just as important as ours – he really is a great talent. I really enjoyed myself, meeting and working with new people in a beautiful country” says Diana.

Patrick Boulos, CEO of Universal Music MENA commented that: “It is an honour to once again join forces with Coca-Cola and MBC to bridge cultural barriers and create ground-breaking original songs with so many artists from all over the world joining together. This season has produced some truly breath-taking songs with a level of creativity that is constantly elevated, some of which are utterly inspiring, emotional and surprising.”

Antoine Tayyar, Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Coca-Cola Middle East said: “We are so pleased with how Coke Studio has developed this Season. It truly epitomizes Coca-Cola values of unity, happiness and refreshing experiences, as various cultures and traditions are celebrated.”

Coke Studio launched in the Middle East in 2011, and this year is presented by Saudi Hamza Iskandar and Lebanese beauty Cynthia Khalifeh.
Diana’s episode, aired on MBC 4 on 26th September 2014.

Diana concludes “I'm so happy a show like this exists because it stands for something beautiful that I really believe in… It was a real pleasure to be a part of this fusion, something I will always look back on with happy memories.”

Diana Yukawa Website
Diana on Facebook

No comments:

Post a Comment