Ed Sheeran Releases 'Azizam,' a Heartfelt Collaboration

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has unveiled a new single titled Azizam, a Persian term of endearment meaning "my dear" or "my beloved." The track, set to be released in April as part of his upcoming album Play, was created in collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Ilya Salmanzadeh, known professionally as ILYA.

 

 

 

 

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ILYA, a Swedish-Iranian artist, brought his rich Iranian heritage to the song’s title and musical direction, blending cultural influences into Sheeran’s signature sound. Having earned a Grammy nomination in 2020 for co-writing “Spirit” from The Lion King, ILYA’s influence on Azizam is unmistakable.

Excitement about the track is palpable, as Sheeran shared a video on Instagram of him in the studio with ILYA, listening to the unreleased song. "Album done. Single soon. I’m very excited as you can tell," Sheeran wrote, teasing fans with a glimpse of what’s to come.

Azizam will feature a wedding scene in its music video, shot in South London, and includes a special appearance from British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili. Djalili, known for his comedic touch, shared his excitement on X (formerly Twitter), giving fans a sneak peek of what to expect, especially on the Persian New Year, Nowruz, when the post was made.

The song, which Sheeran performed live for the first time during a surprise show in New Orleans on March 15, is rumored to be a tribute to Sheeran’s wife, Cherry Seaborn, with whom he shares two daughters.

The announcement has sparked praise from various Iranian figures, with Iranian pop icon Andy commenting on Sheeran’s Instagram post: “Congratulations my friend. It’s a great song and the video will be great too.” Actress and activist Nazanin Bonyadi also expressed her excitement, linking the release to the spirit of Nowruz: "In time for Norooz."

As Sheeran continues to explore new musical territories, Azizam promises to be a celebration of love, culture, and collaboration, with a global impact that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.