Pakistani singer Arooj Aftab won the Grammy Award on Sunday for her song ‘Mohbat’. She is the first Pakistani artist to receive this award.
The 37-year-old Uroog has been living in New York for almost 15 years and has been making steady strides in the music world by presenting Sufi music with a fusion of folk and jazz music.
According to news agency AFP, Arooj has also been nominated for the Best New Artist award.
The Grammy or Gramophone Awards are one of the four major music awards in the United States, which began on May 4, 1959.
While receiving the award at the 64th Grammy Awards ceremony, Arooj Aftab said on stage: ‘I feel like I’m going to faint.’
He also thanked his colleagues and fans.
After winning the Grammy Award, Arooj shared his impressions in an interview and said, ‘I was feeling nervous and I don’t know what I said on stage.’
At the same time, Arooj described this award as a ‘life-changing moment’ for him.
Earlier, speaking to reporters at the awards’ pre-gala event, he said: ‘I am very excited. I feel great.’
She added: ‘I’ve been really nervous all day and we’re off to a good start.’
Born in Saudi Arabia to a Pakistani couple, Arooj Aftab spent her teenage years in Lahore, after which she enrolled at the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston to study musical production and engineering.
Grammy Award winning song ‘Mohbat’ by Arooj Aftab is part of his third album ‘Vulture Prince’. Interestingly, the song was also included by former US President Barack Obama in his list of favorite songs of 2021, after which it gained more attention.
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Arooj Aftab has performed at many major venues in New York, including Lincoln Center and the Museum of Modern Art.
Speaking to AFP ahead of the Grammy Awards, Arooj Aftab praised his fellow artists nominated for Best New Artist, including Olivia Rodrigo as well as rapper Sweety and The Kid LaRoi.
He said: ‘We are all very good. The group itself is kind of a win-win.’
Pakistani artists, politicians, sportspersons from all walks of life, including fans, are extremely happy and appreciative of Arooj Aftab’s victory.
Pakistani actress Mahira Khan wrote on Twitter that she was ‘very proud’ of the rise.
Singer Ali Zafar also praised Urooj Aftab and wrote: ‘We feel very happy and proud to see your (musical) journey and perseverance in it.’
Wow ! This is amazing. @arooj_aftab Having witnessed your journey since back in the day, your perseverance and pursuit for knowledge in your field gives us great joy and a sense of pride. May you keep shining. Bohat si duyaayein.
The news we should see all over national media. https://t.co/w5AlDKDmq8
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) April 3, 2022
Singer Hadiqa Kayani wrote that ‘I got such good news as soon as I woke up in the morning.’ At the same time, he addressed Arooj Aftab and said, ‘Keep giving us the opportunity to be proud in the same way.’
In this chaotic world, I’m very happy to wake up to the most beautiful news, @arooj_aftab has won her first Grammy so proud of you. Keep making us proud you rock star!
— Hadiqa Kiani (@Hadiqa_Kiani) April 4, 2022
Pakistani player Noreena Shams termed Arooj Aftab’s award as ‘the best surprise’.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Zulfi Bukhari also congratulated Araj Aftab and wrote that ‘You have made Pakistan proud.’
Social activist Gibran Nasir also congratulated Urooj Aftab and wrote: ‘Our artists have time and again proved their genius to the world through their faith and hard work, while our freedom is still to invest in the arts and promote this industry. It fails to provide freedom and infrastructure.’
Congratulations @arooj_aftab. Time and again our artists through their own conviction and hardwork prove their genius to the world while back home State still fails to invest in the arts & give this industry the freedom and infrastructure to explore its talent & improve its craft https://t.co/0bpRyDflaT
— M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) April 3, 2022
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#Grammy #Award #Arooj #Aftabs #song #Mohbat
**Interview with Arooj Aftab: Pakistan’s Grammy Award Winner**
**Editor:** Welcome, Arooj! Congratulations on winning your first Grammy for ‘Mohbat.’ How does it feel to be the first Pakistani artist to achieve this milestone?
**Arooj Aftab:** Thank you so much! It feels surreal. When I was on stage, I could barely comprehend what was happening. It truly is a life-changing moment for me, to represent my country on such a prestigious platform.
**Editor:** You’ve been living in New York for 15 years and have blended Sufi, folk, and jazz music in your work. How have those experiences shaped your music?
**Arooj Aftab:** New York is a melting pot of cultures and sounds. Living here has allowed me to explore different musical styles and incorporate them into my own. The fusion really reflects my journey, and I believe it resonates with audiences in a unique way.
**Editor:** Your song ‘Mohbat’ is part of your album ‘Vulture Prince,’ which gained attention after being featured on Barack Obama’s list of favorite songs. How did that recognition impact you?
**Arooj Aftab:** It was incredible. Knowing that someone like Barack Obama appreciated my music was a huge honor. It opened many doors for me and allowed my music to reach a wider audience. I’m really grateful for that exposure.
**Editor:** You also expressed feeling nervous during the ceremony, especially when accepting the award. What was going through your mind at that moment?
**Arooj Aftab:** Honestly, I was just trying to grasp the moment. Everything happened so fast. I felt overwhelmed and kept thinking about my team and supporters. It was an emotional rollercoaster!
**Editor:** Since your win, many artists and fans in Pakistan have shown immense pride in you. What message do you have for your supporters back home?
**Arooj Aftab:** I just want to say thank you! Your love and support mean everything to me. This win is not just mine; it’s for all of us. I hope to continue breaking barriers and making music that makes us all proud.
**Editor:** Lastly, as you look ahead, what’s next for Arooj Aftab?
**Arooj Aftab:** I’m excited to keep evolving as an artist. I have new music in the works, and I want to explore even more collaborations. I’m all about pushing boundaries while staying true to my roots.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Arooj. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
**Arooj Aftab:** Thank you for having me!
