Ed Sheeran has released his latest single, ‘Azizam’, offering fans a vibrant glimpse into his upcoming album titled ‘Play’. ‘Azizam’ is a Persian phrase meaning “my dear” or “my beloved”, setting the tone for a track that embraces love and connection.

Collaborative Roots

The song was crafted in collaboration with producer Ilya Salmanzadeh, known for his work with artists like Ariana Grande and Sam Smith. Sheeran and Salmanzadeh discovered intriguing parallels between Persian and Irish folk music, leading to a unique fusion that enhances the pop composition.

“Azizam/ Meet me on the floor tonight/ Show me how to move like the water/ In between the dancing lights/ Be mine, be mine/ Azizam,” Sheeran sings in this exciting and colorful number. The artist expressed that while ‘Azizam’ diverges from his previous works, it evokes a sense of familiarity.

A Celebration of Cultures

Sheeran shared insights about the inspiration behind ‘Azizam’, which stemmed from Salmanzadeh’s suggestion to incorporate elements from Persian culture. He noted, “I love learning about music and different cultures the more I travel and connect with people,” highlighting how this journey opened avenues to new artistic horizons.

“The rhythms, scales, melodies, and instruments revealed connections with Irish traditional music, reinforcing that music acts as a universal language,” he stated.

Upcoming Album and Future Plans

Describing ‘Play’ as “playful, explorative, and celebratory,” Sheeran acknowledged the contributions of Savan Kotecha and Johnny McDaid in producing and co-writing the track. The album is set to unveil a fresh chapter in Sheeran’s career following his 2023 projects, ‘Subtract’ and ‘Autumn Variations’.

An accompanying music video for ‘Azizam’ showcases Sheeran adventuring across the US and UK, featuring a whimsical pink heart-shaped balloon. Highlights include his cherished Ipswich Town FC and a surprise performance in New Orleans.

Looking Ahead

In a recent interview, Sheeran confirmed that his new album was “done” as of last month, debuting a new song ‘Old Phone’ on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’. He hinted at ambitious plans for his career, envisioning a total of ten albums inspired by his admiration for filmmaker Quentin Tarantino’s vision of ten films.

Moreover, fans can anticipate a new track titled ‘Sapphire’ to be released soon. Sheeran is also scheduled to embark on a European tour from May to September 2025, followed by performances in countries such as Bhutan, India, Qatar, and Bahrain.