Ed Sheeran Releases New Single ‘Azizam’ with Middle Eastern Flair

LOS ANGELES, CA — Ed Sheeran has returned to the pop scene with his new single “Azizam,” released at midnight on Friday, April 4, 2025. This track, characterized by its incorporation of Middle Eastern instrumentation, promises to showcase a fresh direction in Sheeran’s music and marks the first single from his upcoming eighth studio album, “Play.”

“Azizam,” which translates to “my dear one” in Farsi, is the culmination of Sheeran’s collaboration with Stockholm-based producer Ilya Salmanzadeh, known for his work on hits like Sam Smith‘s “Unholy” and Ariana Grande‘s “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored.” This collaboration aims to blend Sheeran’s pop sensibilities with influences from Iranian music traditions.

The song comes on the heels of Sheeran’s 2023 albums, “Subtract” and “Autumn Variations,” which were noted for their introspective and understated sound. Despite critical acclaim, these albums did not yield the streaming success Sheeran typically enjoys, lacking tracks that reached a billion streams. Reflecting on this, some speculate that Sheeran is aiming to prioritize artistic expression over commercial success with “Azizam. ”

Unlike his previous works, “Azizam” infuses a variety of Middle Eastern instruments such as the daf and santur, featuring the Citizens of the World Choir, comprised of refugees and their allies. However, some critics suggest the song’s relationship to authentic Persian music is tenuous at best, calling it a pop track dressed in Middle Eastern sounds.

Sheeran described the creative process behind the song in an Instagram post, stating, “I wrote ‘Azizam’ after @ilya_music suggested trying out making music inspired by his Persian heritage and culture. It was like opening a door to a completely new and exciting world.” He further noted that making the track helped him connect music’s universal language, bridging elements reminiscent of Irish traditions he grew up with.

The accompanying music video for “Azizam,” titled “Pink Heart,” was shot across various locations in the United States, as well as in Ipswich. Sheeran shared his desire to capture the vibrant atmosphere of the places he visited. “It was an amazing atmosphere wherever we went; I wanted to reflect that with the video,” he said.

As the music industry evolves, Sheeran continues to have a lasting impact. Despite changes in pop trends, which now favor bolder, experimental sounds, artists like Noah Kahan and Alex Warren show traces of Sheeran’s influence in their music. As listeners await to see if “Azizam” returns Sheeran to the billion-stream status, one thing remains clear: his mix of personal exploration and global music influences keeps fans engaged.