Pakistan's Aroz Aftab scores her first Grammy
Aroz Aftab scored his first Grammy on Sunday by winning a coveted trophy for his song "Mohabbat" in the Best Global Performance category.
The Brooklyn-based Pakistani singer – who has lived in New York for nearly 15 years – continues to attract global attention for her work, which combines ancient Sufi traditions with folk, jazz and minimalism.
He is also up for the coveted Best New Artist award, which will be presented during the main Grammy telecast on Sunday.
“I am beyond thrilled,” the artist told reporters backstage at the pre-gala ceremony, in which most of the awards are presented. "it feels great."
"I've been very nervous all day. And we're off to a good start."
Born in Saudi Arabia to Pakistani parents, Aftab spent his teenage years in Lahore and then relocated to Boston's prestigious Berklee School of Music to study music production and engineering.
He released his third studio album "Vulture Prince" to critical acclaim, and gained even more attention after former US President Barack Obama included the track "Love" on his 2021 summer favorites list.
Aftab has exhibited at several prominent New York venues, including the Lincoln Center and the Museum of Modern Art, also opening for Mitsky at The Brooklyn Steel in 2018.
Speaking to AFP in the days before the Grammys, Aftab praised his fellow cast members nominated for Best New Artist, a crop that includes favorite Olivia Rodrigo alongside rappers Sauvetti and The Kid Laroi.
"We are all very good - the group is like a victory in itself," she said...AFP