Brooklyn-based Pakistani singer, Arooj Aftab has been making waves on social media ever since the news of her bagging two Grammy nominations broke out! She has been nominated for the ‘Best Artist’ & ‘Best Global Music Performance’ for her song ‘Mohabbat’ in her third album, Vulture Prince. Her music is a fusion of jazz and Sufi and her soulful vocals have us in awe. Hence, we thought why not find out more about this singer who is making every Pakistani’s heart swell with pride?
From growing up listening to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to singing for a mainstream Bollywood movie, Arooj Aftab is full of surprises! We are delighted to share 5 lesser-known facts or let’s say, amusing things about the Grammy nominee that will help you get to know her a little better.
1. Sang For Bollywood
This may come as a surprise to some but, in 2015, Arooj Aftab sang the title track for a famous Bollywood movie ‘Talvar’ called ‘Insaf.’ The song was penned by none other than Gulzar Sahab, and Vishal Bhardwaj composed the music. ‘Insaf’ is as soulful as Arooj’s voice and it follows the entire theme of the movie.
2. Claim To Fame
Arooj Aftab has been singing for more than two decades. However, her first cover that went viral, that too, in Lahore, was a cover of Leonard Cohen’s song ‘Hallelujah.’ This was before YouTube or Twitter and it started reaching more and more people through email and file sharing sites like Limewire and Napster (Pitchfork).
3. Born In Saudi Arabia
Arooj Aftab was born in Saudi Arabia on 11th March 1985, where she lived with her mother and 2 brothers until the age of 11. She went to the US in 2005 to study music at Berklee College of Music.
4. Grew Up Listening To NFAK
The Grammy nominee revealed in an interview that her family and close friends, just like her, are equally fond of music! She grew up listening to rare recordings of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with her family and they would host musical evenings and sing together. Sounds wholesome, don’t you think?
5. Multiple Awards & Nominations Under Her Belt
The current Grammy nominations making waves isn’t Arooj Aftab’s first Grammy nomination. In fact, she has previously won a Latin Grammy for Residente’s ‘Antes Que El Mundo Se Acabe’, she was one of the vocalists in the song. In addition, she wrote music for a short film named ‘Bittu’ which won a student Oscar award.
It is truly an amazing feeling to witness Pakistani talent being recognized internationally. We are definitely rooting for Arooj Aftab. Are you?
Pakistani-Born Singer Arooj Aftab Might Get Pakistan Its First Grammy Award!
Sources used in this article include Pitchfork, The Express Tribune, & Our Culture Mag.
