Ed Sheeran has released a vibrant new pop single, Azizam (meaning “my dear” in Farsi), blending his signature sound with Persian musical elements. The track, produced by Iranian-Swedish songwriter Illya Salmanzadeh, features traditional instruments like the santur (a Persian hammered dulcimer) and the ghatam (a South Indian clay percussion pot).
Sheeran described the creative process as “a hell of a lot of fun,” drawing parallels between Persian melodies and the Irish folk music of his youth. The song was sparked after Salmanzadeh expressed interest in exploring his cultural roots. “Persians are really proud of their culture, and it’s great to celebrate it,” Sheeran told BBC Radio 1.
The track arrives amid a competitive week for new music, facing releases from Miley Cyrus, Wet Leg, and Elton John. While critics offered mixed reviews—The Guardian called it “ruthlessly efficient” pop, and The Telegraph dubbed it “bubblegum”—fans, particularly those of Persian heritage, praised the cultural representation.
Sheeran debuted Azizam in a surprise New Orleans performance with the Soul Rebels brass band. The studio version features backing vocals from the Citizens of the World Choir, a refugee ensemble.
This isn’t Sheeran’s first global fusion; he’s previously collaborated with Afrobeats artists, sung in Punjabi, and incorporated Spanish and Irish folk influences. Azizam will likely bolster his presence in the Middle East, the world’s fastest-growing music market.
The song is the lead single from an upcoming “playful and celebratory” album.
