Arooj Aftab – Musicalista

A fusion of Pakistani musical tradition with jazz, minimalism, and electronic elements, creating a unique and timeless sound

Pakistani musician and composer Arooj Aftab is known for her unique style, which blends the musical traditions of the Indian subcontinent with contemporary influences such as jazz, minimalism, and electronic music. After moving to New York to study at Berklee College of Music, she built an international career that led her to become the first Pakistani artist to win a Grammy in 2022 for her song Mohabbat, from the album Vulture Prince (2021).

In 2024, Aftab released her fourth album, ‘Night Reign‘, exploring the nuances of the night as a symbol of inspiration and introspection. The critically acclaimed album features lyrics in both Urdu and English, with sophisticated arrangements incorporating harp, guitar, and piano. Songs like ‘Raat Ki Rani’ and ‘Whiskey‘ delve into themes of love, vulnerability, and nocturnal beauty, wrapped in a soundscape that blends jazz and folk. Night Reign has been described as an intimate and experimental musical journey, where night serves not only as a setting but also as a metaphor for Aftab’s emotional and artistic depth.

Following the release of ‘Night Reign’, Arooj Aftab has already earned two Grammy nominations for ‘Best Alternative Jazz Album‘ and ‘Best Global Music Performance‘.

She continues to perform worldwide, solidifying her role as a cultural bridge between her Pakistani roots and global influences, affirming herself as one of the most original voices in contemporary music.

A fusion of Pakistani musical tradition with jazz, minimalism, and electronic elements, creating a unique and timeless sound

Pakistani musician and composer Arooj Aftab is known for her unique style, which blends the musical traditions of the Indian subcontinent with contemporary influences such as jazz, minimalism, and electronic music. After moving to New York to study at Berklee College of Music, she built an international career that led her to become the first Pakistani artist to win a Grammy in 2022 for her song *Mohabbat*, from the album *Vulture Prince* (2021).

Following the release of ‘Night Reign’, Arooj Aftab has already earned two Grammy nominations for ‘Best Alternative Jazz Album‘ and ‘Best Global Music Performance‘.