Guess what? Something really exciting is about to happen. The super talented Arooj Aftab has teamed up with the very cool actor Penn Badgley. They joined forces in a way that nobody expected. Arooj gave fans a sneak peek on Instagram, leaving everyone curious and wanting more. In the teaser, Arooj challenges Penn to a game of chess, and they both admit they’re not great at it. It’s pretty funny to watch them joke around like that.
Arooj posted a photo on Instagram showing her meeting with Penn. The caption asked, “What does night mean to you?” It went on to say, “Penn and I goofed around playing chess and talked about Night Reign.” The whole video, directed and edited by Andrew Oppeneer, will be out soon.
The short video showed that Arooj and Penn share a special connection. They both seem to really like the mysterious beauty of the night and the thinking game of chess. As they played, it felt like they were exploring more than just winning or losing. Fans are excited to see the full video because it promises to be both smart and beautiful. Arooj and Penn coming together in chess and music shows how creativity can go beyond limits. It reminds us that art is something that can bring people together, no matter where they’re from or what they do.
A petition formed by ‘Musicians For Palestine‘ features 2000 signatories calling for an end to the genocide of Gaza and a ceasefire. The letter describes “a textbook case of genocide” happening to the 2.3 million population of Gaza, half of whom are children.
“We cannot remain silent in the face of such injustice,” the letter notes. “We cannot be silent as 17 years of Israeli blockade, now a “complete siege,” have made Gaza extremely unliveable. Almost all of its water is unfit for human consumption. Its healthcare system has largely collapsed. The majority of its children are anaemic, with many suffering from severe malnutrition.”
The letter further says it drove inspiration from the acclaimed Artists Against Apartheid that helped end the apartheid in South Africa. “We refuse to let our music be used to whitewash oppression and human rights violations anywhere. We insist that all governments stop sending weapons and military funding to Israel and to any other state involved in crimes against humanity.
Among the 2000 signatories who have signed the letter are acclaimed rock band Rage Against The Machine, rapper and actor Kid Cudi, and Grammy winning Pakistani-American singer Arooj Aftab.
Tom Morello was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, where he posed with his award along with a slogan that said “Ceasefire”. The gesture was widely applauded by social media.
Tom Morello calling for a ceasefire as he gets inaugurated into the rock and roll hall of fame. Real king shit. https://t.co/36kdNf3Em6
Disney execs going to absolutely lose their shit seeing a call for Cease Fire right in front of their logo. Love to see it. And ofc Tom Morello ftw! https://t.co/8rd5afOdIJ
The nominations for this year’s Grammy awards were announced on Friday night and among the nominees was Pakistani-American singer Arooj Aftab. Aftab was nominated under ‘Best Alternative Jazz Album” for her album ‘Love In Exile’ as well as for the category ‘Best Collaborative Music Performance’ for her single ‘Shadow Forces’.
Arooj shared a screenshot of the nominations on her Instagram stories.
She shared another picture with singers Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily and wrote: “Congratulations on the Grammy nomination! Here we go again.”
In 2022, Arooj became the first ever Pakistani to win the Grammy award under the category of ‘Best Global Performance’.
How fitting that on a day that a bunch of old men worked a Sunday to bury our country, it is a young woman that rises and helps us believe we can all heal (& fly)
Arooj Aftab has everyone in a pickle with a tweet where she asked her followers to stop associating her with Pakistani music, or calling her an ‘Urdu singer’.
The Grammy award winning singer had tweeted:
“Pakistani singer arooj aftab…… Urdu singer arooj aftab….. arooj Aftab’s amazing Urdu singing… like. It’s fine I guess? But can a person of color musician ever just get to be without this tag to whatever someone else is presuming is our root or heritage.”
Pakistani singer arooj aftab…… Urdu singer arooj aftab….. arooj Aftab’s amazing Urdu singing… like. It’s fine I guess? But can a person of color musician ever just get to be without this tag to whatever someone else is presuming is our root or heritage
Twitter users were confused by this because as some pointed out, she had built up fame in Western countries using Urdu ghazals like ‘Mohabbat’.
One user had written:
“Nobody calls you an urdu singer in pakistan. they call you that in majority english speaking countries, where your claim to fame was an urdu ghazal. your lyrics didn’t come to that audience naturally. they recognize you geographically. we all do that with foreign language music.”
nobody calls you an urdu singer in pakistan. they call you that in majority english speaking countries, where your claim to fame was an urdu ghazal. your lyrics didn’t come to that audience naturally. they recognize you geographically. we all do that with foreign language music.
Don’t get what’s wrong w being called an Urdu / Pakistani singer when you’re performing in US/UK etc. Obv an American singer isn’t gonna be called an American singer when they’re performing in US but they would in another country. Has nothing to do w being a person of color. https://t.co/kJlAnXEgwm
love Arooj’s music but you cannot profit off of traditional Urdu Pakistani songs and then not be associated with them. no one calls Krewella Pakistani singers, ’cause they don’t profit off of their Pakistani image. https://t.co/5oKDDTFiC3
I’m not familiar with her work but a quick Google search tells me that covering Urdu Ghazals, sung by old Pakistani artists, is her shtick. If she loathes being associated with the tags Pakistani and Urdu then maybe giving up nods to both in her performance will be very helpful. https://t.co/jmqKNePDrQ
But Aftab had to clarify in her next tweets that she was not being anti-Pakistani, nor was she criticising her own roots, but her tweets were addressing the Western media who push her into a georgraphical context, which makes it easier for her to be gate-kept.
“Oh f***k this tweet really awakened the “she’s anti Pakistani!!!” sentiment. Great. I’m not talking about erasing or disowning roots and heritage. while touring eu/uk at the moment, I feel like pushing back on being ONLY allowed to exist in a geographic and linguistic context. This makes it easy for them to other-ize, exclude us and overlook what is achieved, and to gate keep/ glass wall what is further achievable.”
pushing back on being ONLY allowed to exist in a geographic and linguistic context. This makes it easy for them to other-ize, exclude us and overlook what is achieved, and to gate keep/ glass wall what is further achievable.
Actor Hamza Ali Abbas has joined the chorus of voices calling for zoos across Pakistan to be shut down. As the country watches veterinarians try to save the life of one of Karachi Zoo’s elephants, Noor Jehan, celebrities have lent support to the demand that the animals be shifted to sanctuaries.
Taking to Instagram, the ‘Maula Jatt’ actor shared a clip of a post by Express Tribune, slamming authorities for not caring about the welfare of the animals:
“We can’t take care of animals in zoo’s- it is better than to receive curses from animals that we should ban zoos and send the animals to a safer place.”
Abbasi’s criticism comes after countless celebrities, including Grammy award winner Arooj Aftab, raised their voices to support animals and shut down zoos. Aftab re-shared a clip from her interview with The Current where she had talked about the abysmal conditions of animals in Lahore’s zoo, calling for better facilities to be set up for animals.
Just as Noor Jehan improved, she fell into a concrete pond built inside her shelter, leading to worsening of her condition. Authorities had remained in contact with the animal welfare organization Four Paws to coordinate for her treatment.
Yesterday, The Nation reported that Minister of Climate Change and member of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Sherry Rehman, had advised Sindh government to shut down Karachi Zoo, and for the animals to be moved to enclosures where they are provided with proper facilities.
Hailing from diverse realms of showbiz, the Pakistani showbiz industry icons have dominated the Top 50 Asian Stars list. Having greatly contributed to the entertainment industry, these Pakistanis celebrities were recognised nationally and internationally.
The list is published annually and this time, Pakistani actors and singers have made their nation proud. From Fawad Khan to Arooj Aftab, there have been eight stars who were listed among other South Asian artists on Britain’s EasternEye.
The list includes Fawad Khan, Sajal Aly, Atif Aslam, Ali Sethi and Shae Gill, Humayun Saeed, Hadiqa Kiani, Arooj Aftab, and Riz Ahmed.
In ascending order, Fawad Khan sits at number two. The handsome hunk broke records with his terrific performance in The Legend of Maula Jatt smashing all Pakistani box-office records globally.
Following Khan is the iconic singer Atif Aslam securing the 13th spot. Aslam also became the most-streamed Pakistani singer of 2022.
Sitting at number 16 is actress Sajal Aly. The diva made her international debut with the English film What’s Love Got To Do With It? that propelled her to international stardom.
At the 17th spot, we have Riz Ahmed. This British Asian actor has been shining bright like a diamond by winning a Best Live Action Short Film Oscar at the 94th Academy Awards for The Long Goodbye.
For the 38th spot, Arooj Aftab jumped in to make it to the list. The New York-based singer is the first female Pakistani artist to win a Grammy award for Best Global Music Performance, along with securing a Best New Artist nomination.
At number 40 we have the talented singer Hadiqa Kiani. The Pakistani pop icon with her soldout concerts, philanthropy, and humanitarian work during the flash floods in Pakistan helped her secure a spot on the list of accomplished artists.
Another fine actor of Lollywood who recently made his Netflix debut is Humayun Saeed sitting at number 45. Saeed’s fine acting skills helped him land a key role as Dr. Hasnat Khan in the popular The Crown series.
At number 46 is the Pasoori duo Shae Gill and Ali Sethi for the roaring success of their Coke Studio 14 single.
Musician Arooj Aftab, the first Pakistani to win a Grammy, has been nominated for the second time in the Best Global Music Performance category for her song Udhero Na with Anoushka Shankar.
Taking it to Instagram on Wednesday, Aftab shared the announcement via The New York Times list of full nominations.
In another post, Aftab said, “Oh my God! ‘Udhero Na’ has been nominated for a Grammy. Congratulations to me and to Anoushka Shankar, Maeve Gilchrist, and Nadje Noordhuis. Four badass women come together, play a song that I wrote when I was 15 and it’s getting its flowers. So, I’m very emotional and I’m very glad and I’m really really, just, I don’t even know. I’m in this hall of a ship, we’re about to perform in about 20 minutes or so. I don’t know how I’m going to do that but this is great. So, thank you.”
Several celebrities congratulated Aftab for her consecutive achievements.
Actor Ushna Shah commented under her video asking if the nominated song ‘Udhero Na’ is from back in the day and if this means ‘Bolo Na’ will be re-release for a third consecutive Grammy in the future. “Bring ’em all home, superstar!” she wrote.
The post also received comments from transgender rights activist Dr Mehrub Moiz Awan, pianist Meritxell Neddermann, Spanish singer Marta Sánchez and more.
Actor Sarwat Gilani dropped by in the comment section and wrote, “you go girl” to cheer her on. American singer Jessica Betts, Devonté Hynes, also known as Blood Orange, singer-songwriter Rachel Eckroth, Indian actor Priyanka Bose, singer Priya Darshini, Never Have I Ever actor Poorna Jagannathan and others also commented.
Brooklyn-based Pakistani singer, Arooj Aftab who recently won a Grammy Award for her song, Mohabbathas shared her conversation with the Korean pop group, BTS during the main event.
At the request of the Pakistani ARMY, Arooj made a special video to share the experience of her interaction with BTS.
Aftab said that she went up to them and asked to take a photo. BTS members congratulated the singer while taking a photo. When she told “the Pakistani BTS ARMY loves you”, BTS said, “Thanks”.
Arooj also mentioned the man, Hafeez Hoshiarpuri, behind the beautiful song, Mohabbat who wrote the poetry of it. She gave huge respect to him and all those who contributed to her success.
On the question about the Grammy award, it would mail with her printed name. There is a rule in Grammy Awards that management takes back the award and then delivers it with your winner’s name on it via mail.
Brooklyn-based Pakistani vocalist Arooj Aftab on Sunday scored her first Grammy, winning a prestigious trophy for her song Mohabbat in the Best Global Performance category.
The 37-year-old crooner who has lived in New York for some a decade and a half has been steadily gaining global attention for her work that fuses ancient Sufi traditions with inflections of folk, jazz, and minimalism.
She’s also up for the coveted Best New Artist prize, which will be presented during the main Grammy telecast later Sunday.
— Mano⁷ (will back soon) (@bts7besttt) April 3, 2022
The artist told journalists backstage at the pre-gala ceremony, at which the vast majority of awards are handed out. “I am beyond thrilled, it feels great.”
“I’ve been very nervous all day. And we’re off to a good start.”
Born to Pakistani parents in Saudi Arabia, Aftab spent her teenage years in Lahore before relocating to Boston’s prestigious Berklee School of Music to study music production and engineering.
She released her third studio album “Vulture Prince” to critical acclaim, and gained even more attention after former US President Barack Obama included the track Mohabbat on his 2021 summer favorites list.
Aftab has performed at a number of major New York venues including Lincoln Center and the Museum of Modern Art, also opening for Mitski at The Brooklyn Steel in 2018.
Speaking to AFP in the days leading up to the Grammys, Aftab praised her fellow artists nominated for Best New Artist, a crop that includes favorite Olivia Rodrigo along with rappers Saweetie and The Kid Laroi.
“We’re all so cool — the group itself is kind of like a win,” she said.
Earlier in November 2021, the Mehram star became the first Pakistani to receive a Grammy nomination.
Arooj was nominated for the Best Global Music Performance and Best New Artist category which is described as a “category that recognises an artist whose release achieved a breakthrough into the public consciousness and notably impacted the musical landscape.”
Other artists nominated for the same award were Jimmie Allen, Baby Keem, FINNEAS, Glass Animals, Japanese Breakfast, The Kid LAROI, Arlo Parks, Olivia Rodrigo, and Saweetie.
The 64th #GRAMMYs nominations are in. ✨ Congratulations to everyone!
More than 11,000 #RecordingAcademy voting members vote during the GRAMMY Awards process. A total of 21,730 eligible entries were submitted for consideration.
Based in Brooklyn, Aftab has three solo albums to her credit. Her latest release is Vulture Prince. According to a profile published by a music app, the album is about “revisiting places that I’ve called mine,” said Aftab, “Places that don’t necessarily exist anymore. It’s about people, friendships, relationships.”
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Aftab established herself as an indie artist by covering Amir Zaki’s Mera Pyar and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. She promoted her music online in Pakistan and taught herself to play the guitar.
Aftab has been nominated for her track Mohabbat. The song also made it to former US president Barack Obama’s summer playlist. As soon as Grammy nominations were announced, messages of support and love started pouring in for the artist.
Singer Fifi Haroon showed her excitement for Aftab on Twitter.
WOW! Pakistani singer #AroojAftab gets nominated for a #Grammy in the New Artist Category for an Urdu song!
In July 2021 Arooj made it to President Obama’s Summer playlist for her cover of Mohabat (karney waley kam na honge) an original by Mehdi Hasan.https://t.co/jpmiMrZfiU
Veteran singer Hadiqa Kiani also celebrated Aftab’s nomination and urged her followers to listen to the artist’s music.
Yes!!! Our very own @arooj_aftab has made music history by being nominated by the @RecordingAcad for Best New Artist! This is a very proud moment for our nation.
To celebrate, listen to Arooj’s tracks on her YouTube page right here https://t.co/dfPOalSOr2
Singer and song-writer Fakhr-e-Alam also congratulated Aftab on her achievement.
BIG CONGRATS @arooj_aftab for becoming the first ever Pakistani to be nominated for best New artist for the 2022 @RecordingAcad GRAMMY award. This is truly incredible news. So so proud and happy.
Arooj Aftab also shared her memorable moments on Instagram of the awards show where she met with other Grammy winners and the popular Korean pop group, BTS.
‘Mohabbat’ singer is also going to be the first Pakistani artist to be performing at the American art and music festival. The news comes after she revealed that she will make her first Coke Studio appearance this season.
Aftab shared a list of artists who will be performing on the first day of the festival on two weekends including Harry Styles, Lil baby, Daniel Caesar, Phoebe Bridgers, Big Sean.
The music festival has returned after a three-year break due to Covid-19. Coachella is one of the largest, most famous, and most profitable music festivals in the world.
After the announcement, Pakistan celebrities came forwards to congratulate the artist.
