After closing the curtain on his Mathematics era, Ed Sheeran is back — and he’s brighter, bolder and more rhythmically adventurous than ever. His brand-new single “Azizam” marks the dawn of a fresh creative phase for 2025, and it's already turning heads for all the right reasons.
A celebration of life, light, and love, Azizam takes its name from a Persian term of endearment meaning “my dear” or “my beloved.” But this track is more than just a sweet sentiment — it’s a vibrant, feel-good invitation to live in the moment. “Azizam feels familiar to me,” Sheeran shared. “I wanted to create a party atmosphere in a song, and Ilya Salmanzadeh, who I worked with on the track, helped bring that to life. He was so inspiring to work with.”
That creative spark came from a unique blend of cultural influences. Teaming up with Swedish/Iranian producer Ilya Salmanzadeh — known for work with Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Ellie Goulding and Sam Smith — Sheeran leaned into his ever-curious musical instincts. What they discovered was the surprising harmony between Persian and Irish folk traditions, a connection that only Ed Sheeran could spin into a pop context with such heart and energy.
The result? A technicolour track that pulses with rhythm and joy. From the very first beat, Azizam invites listeners to dance “in between the dancing lights” until sunrise. It’s a hedonistic, cross-cultural celebration that manages to feel fresh and familiar all at once. This isn’t just a new single — it’s a musical mission statement.
Driven by the universality of emotion and the magic that happens when cultures collide, Azizam is the sound of Sheeran unfiltered and free. It’s a bold step away from his previous work, yet still undeniably his. And for fans who’ve followed his journey through chart-topping ballads, acoustic storytelling, and global collaborations, this track is an exciting sign of what’s to come.
As Ed Sheeran opens this new chapter, he’s not just experimenting — he’s evolving. With a forthcoming album on the horizon (details still under wraps), and a roster of global collaborators in the mix, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for the ever-restless artist.
For now, Azizam stands as both a joyful anthem and a bold promise: that Ed Sheeran isn’t done surprising us yet.
Ed Sheeran presses play on a new era with the release of his new single ‘Azizam’. Available on CD, 7” and DSPs. Listen / purchase HERE.
