Azizam (Preview) Ed Sheeran

"Azizam" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It will be released on 4 April 2025, under Sheeran's own Gingerbread Man Records and distributed by Warner Records as the lead single from his upcoming eighth studio album, Play. The track was written and produced by Sheeran, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Johnny McDaid and Savan Kotecha. The CD single and 7-inch single will be released on 30 April 2025, including exclusive bonus track "Crashing". The word "azizam" originates from the Persian language and literally translates to "my dear" or "my beloved". The track features a vibrant dance beat with Persian influences. Several Iranian and Indian artists took part in the recording of the song, playing instruments like ghatam, daf, santoor, hammered dulcimer or lute, and singing backing vocals. "Azizam" was inspired by Sheeran's wife and their love affair. An accompanying music video starring comedian Omid Djalili was filmed in South London in mid-February 2025, after Sheeran finished the Indian leg of his ongoing +–=÷× Tour. On 15 March 2025, he debuted "Azizam" during a surprise street performance in New Orleans. Four days later, a 30-second snippet of "Azizam" premiered on YouTube.