Arooj Aftab

The Profile

Arooj Aftab is a Pakistani vocalist, composer and producer known for blending Urdu poetry with jazz, ambient and minimalism. She studied at Berklee College of Music, is based in New York, and won a Grammy in 2022 (Best Global Music Performance) for Mohabbat. Key releases include Vulture Prince (2021), the collaborative Love In Exile (2023) with Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily, and Night Reign (2024).

Publicly known: Pakistani-born, New York–based vocalist/composer; Berklee College of Music alum; Vulture Prince (2021) drew global acclaim; won the 2022 Grammy for Best Global Music Performance with Mohabbat; released Love In Exile (2023) with Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily; issued Night Reign in 2024.

A fervent, 5-star ode to Arooj Aftab’s Vulture Prince, praising its Urdu-sung, genre-defying blend of harp shimmer, jazz flugelhorn and hushed ambience. The review nods to Obama’s playlist and Aftab’s Grammy win, framing the album as an ‘ethereal blues’ of grief and grace. Night Reign is name-checked as a strong new chapter, with a Moor Mother collab mentioned. Definitions are mocked; feeling reigns.