Ed Sheeran Bridges Cultures in 'Azizam' with Persian Melodies and a Personal Touch

Ed Sheeran Steps into Persian Music with 'Azizam'

Few pop artists leap into the unknown quite like Ed Sheeran just did. His latest single, Azizam, takes listeners far from mainstream charts and roots itself in Persian musical traditions. The song’s title, 'Azizam', is Persian for 'my dear', setting the tone for a track that's all about closeness and devotion, both musically and lyrically.

This wasn't just a language experiment or a quick flavoring of world music. The deep dive began with Sheeran teaming up with producer Ilya Salmanzadeh, who grew up steeped in the rich sounds of Iran. Ilya nudged Sheeran to experiment with elements rarely heard in top-40 pop. Out went Sheeran’s usual formula, in came textures from instruments like the ghatam, daf, santoor, and the sinuous tar. The result is a layered soundscape that both anchors the track in tradition and lets Sheeran’s voice soar in new ways.

In interviews, Sheeran openly marvels at the experience, calling it 'fresh' and 'exciting'. He admits it took him well outside his comfort zone. Yet, Sheeran isn’t just showing off global influences; he’s weaving them into the fabric of a very personal song. At its heart, 'Azizam' is a love letter to his wife, Cherry Seaborn, with lines like 'I wanna be tangled and wrapped in your cloud.' Those lyrics, straightforward but intense, spell out Sheeran’s feelings in a voice that’s as sincere as ever, even as the backing music ventures into uncharted territory for his fans.

A Musical Statement on Unity and Experimentation

But Sheeran and Salmanzadeh didn’t stop with just instruments and lyrics. The track features the Citizens of the World Choir, a group made up of refugees and migrants from different corners of the globe. Their chorus adds a communal, almost anthemic layer to the song—and it’s a symbolic nod to cultural unity and togetherness, especially at a moment in history marked by so much division.

For many Persian-speaking fans, 'Azizam' hits close to home. Social media became awash with emotional reactions from Iranians who rarely see their heritage reflected at the top level of international pop. Some described goosebumps on first listen, calling out Sheeran’s accurate pronunciation and respectful intentions. There’s pride in seeing instruments like the santour or the swirling daf, once mainly confined to Persian music halls, now sharing the spotlight with one of the world’s biggest singers.

Of course, not everyone’s on board. Reviews in big outlets range from admiration for Sheeran's willingness to take risks, to skepticism about how well the pop and Persian elements really gel. Some critics are wary of the experimental direction, noting it marks a big break from the Sheeran sound they’re used to. But even the skeptics admit: Sheeran isn’t just dabbling here—he’s aiming to create something genuinely new.

For Sheeran, 'Azizam' is both a personal milestone and a musical experiment. It stretches his songwriting, expands on what pop can sound like, and brings communities together in surprising ways. Whether it becomes a radio mainstay or stands as a bold detour in his career, one thing’s clear: this is Ed Sheeran stepping out, heart and all, into global music territory.