Ed Sheeran loved Arijit's voice so much, he released a new version of Sapphire

India Today

3 days ago

For the first time in his career, Grammy Award-winning artist Ed Sheeran has openly expressed deep admiration for an Indian musician - a rare and unprecedented move in global music discourse. The British singer-songwriter has collaborated with Bollywood sensation Arijit Singh on a special rendition of 'Sapphire', a vibrant cross-cultural track that marks a historic moment in international music collaboration.Calling the version his 'favourite,' Sheeran revealed that he listens to it every morning with his daughters, captivated by Singh's 'tone, flow, and rhythm.' He praised the Bollywood star's voice as a powerful and moving force, stating, 'I absolutely love this version of the song I really hope others feel the same way I do. Thank you, Arijit, for your time, grace, and immense talent.' Reflecting on the experience of working together, Sheeran recounted what he described as 'one of the most incredible days' of his musical journey. 'One of my favourite moments in my entire career was travelling to Jiaganj Azimganj with my dad to meet Arijit – the final piece of the puzzle for Sapphire,' he said.He described the journey as a '24-hour whirlwind' that felt like a 'musical pilgrimage,' adding, 'After landing, we had a five-and-a-half-hour drive before reaching our destination. Arijit then took us on a boat ride to explore the sights. We chatted, shared a meal, and had coffee.'
(Credit: Instagram/teddyphotos)
advertisementTheir studio session proved equally immersive. Sheeran recalled being taught to sing in Punjabi and receiving a short sitar lesson. Later that evening, he rode a pillion on Arijit's scooty, with his father on another bike alongside them. 'We listened to A Prayer By The River and spoke about music,' he said.
The new version of Sapphire brings together elements of Hindi, Punjabi, and English, weaving together cultures through a celebration of love and melody. Recorded in Goa, the track features Arijit Singh performing a Hindi-Punjabi verse, while Sheeran joins in with a bilingual chorus, a first for the British artiste.Both the original and special renditions have been produced by Ilya Salmanzadeh, Johnny McDaid, and Savan Kotecha, and are rich with South Asian percussive textures that complement the vocals' emotional range.This collaboration not only elevates the global reach of Indian artistry but also marks a rare moment in which a major Western pop icon has spotlighted Indian talent with such sincerity and admiration on the world stage.Ed Sheeran's upcoming album Play, which will include Sapphire, is set for release on September 12, 2025.- EndsTrending Reel