Ed Sheeran Unveils Festive New Single “Azizam,” Capturing the “Party Atmosphere”

Ed Shiran’s New Single

Ed Shiran has made his return with a brand new single titled “Azizam”—you can listen to it below.

The lively track serves as the first official glimpse of the singer’s forthcoming album, which includes the much-anticipated song “Play.” The title “Azizam” is derived from a Persian word of endearment meaning “my dear” or “my beloved.”

• Read more: Ed Shiran-Rest “Autumn Variations”: Snool for pumpkin

Collaborative Influences

“Azizam” was created in collaboration with Swedish/Iranian producer Ilya Salmanzade (known for working with Ariana Grande, Charlie XCX, Ellie Goulding, and Sam Smith). Shiran and Salmanzade quickly discovered the shared elements between Persian and Irish folk music, realizing how they could blend these influences into a pop setting.

“Azizam/ meets me tonight/ show me how to move like water/ between dancing lights/ Be mine, be mine/ Azizam—Shiran sings on this joyous, rhythmic single.

“Although this is completely different from my previous work, it feels true to ‘Azizam’,” the star explained. “I aimed to create a party atmosphere in the song, and Ilya Salmanzade was instrumental in bringing that vision to life. I found him to be incredibly inspiring to work with.”

In a letter on social media, Shiran expressed: “I wrote ‘Azizam’ after Salmanzade suggested trying out music inspired by his Persian heritage and culture. I enjoy exploring music and different cultures; with every journey, I feel like I open a new door to an exciting world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_48VYHWLS4

“I was captivated by the distinct rhythms, weights, melodies, and instruments, yet they resonated with the Irish folk music I grew up with. This experience reinforced my belief that music truly connects us all and serves as a universal language.”

Describing his upcoming “play” as “playful, exploratory, and festive,” Shiran expressed gratitude to his co-producers, co-writers Sava Kotech and Johnny McDaid from Snow Patrol, for their contributions to “Azizam.”

The music video for “Azizam” features Shiran on a jubilant journey through the United States and the UK, carrying a heart-shaped pink balloon. It captures moments including a visit to his beloved FC Ipswich Town FC and footage from a surprise performance on the streets of New Orleans. See above.

According to the press release, Shiran is “boldly stepping into a new phase for 2025,” collaborating with producers and writers from around the globe for his future album. “Play” is set to follow his 2023 releases, including “Deduction” and “Autumn Variations.”

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Shiran’s Album and Future Plans

Shiran confirmed his new album was “completed” last month. He also debuted a new track titled “Old Phone” during his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. In an interview, he revealed the titles of his next five studio albums and hinted at plans for a posthumous album.

“I want to create 10 albums,” he explained. “I have a bit of an obsession with Quentin Tarantino; I heard he is making 10 films, and he has his own side projects like Grindhouse. I want to focus on my 10 albums and occasionally undertake a side project.”

In addition, Shiran confirmed that a new track titled “Sapphire” will be released in the coming months.

The singer-songwriter is scheduled to perform in European shows from May to September 2025, wrapping up the year with performances in Bhutan, India, Qatar, and Bahrain.