Arooj Aftab, a Pakistani composer and singer, was featured on former US President Barack Obama’s annual summer playlist this weekend. Bob Dylan, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Rolling Stones are among the other noteworthy names on the list alongside Aftab.
“There’s a lot to celebrate this summer with so many people coming together with family and friends,” Obama wrote. “Here’s a playlist of music I’ve been listening to recently—a it’s mix of old and new, well-known artists and up-and-comers, and everything in between.”
On Obama’s list, Aftab’s song ‘Mohabbat,’ which she wrote and produced herself, with lyrics based on a 1921 Urdu ghazal by Hafeez Hoshiarpuri, is from her third studio album, Vulture Prince, which was released on April 23, 2021. Prince, according to Vulture, weaves stories about people, relationships, and lost moments. The record, which is dedicated to the memory of her younger brother Maher, has garnered a lot of positive feedback.
“This has been a lovely way to start the day! Thank you very much “In an Instagram post, the Berklee-educated guitarist wrote:
Riz Ahmed, Mira Sethi, Anoushka Shankar, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy were among the celebrities that congratulated her on her achievement.
source: Brecorder
