Brooklyn-based Pakistani artist Arooj Aftab made history on Sunday after winning a Grammy! The singer became the first-ever Pakistani to have won the honour. Arooj bagged the award for Best Global Music Performance for "Mohabbat" at the 2022 Grammys. This is the composer’s first win in the 2022 GRAMMYs, and of her career.
"I feel like this category in and of itself has been insane… it should this be called yacht party category,” Arooj said onstage at the 64th Grammy Awards. “I made [this record] about everything that broke me and put me back together. Thank you for listening to it and making it yours."
Soon after she lifted the accolade, many celebrities and famous personalities took to social media and celebrated her big win! From Mahira Khan to Shireen Mazari, many congratulated Arooj on the big feat.
"So so proud! Shine on you crazy star," wrote Mahira Khan on Twitter.
So so proud! Shine on you crazy star @arooj_aftab ✨🇵🇰🕊 https://t.co/Dgn4rZ5RY6
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) April 3, 2022
Rohail Hyatt added, "Congratulations, Arooj Aftab. You have made us all proud. More power to you."
Congratulations @arooj_aftab. You have made us all proud. More power to you 😊🙏🏻#AroojAftab #GrammyAwards
— Rohail Hyatt (@rohailhyatt) April 4, 2022
"Such wonderful news for the industry. Arooj Aftab proves her mettle. The entire world is recognising our country’s talent. Congratulations. Proud moment for all Pakistanis," penned Adnan Siddiqui.
Such a wonderful news for the industry. @arooj_aftab proves her mettle. The entire world is recognising our country’s talent. Congratulations. Proud moment for all Pakistanis #GrammyAwards pic.twitter.com/k8Uz8FQdXQ
— Adnan Siddiqui (@adnanactor) April 4, 2022
Fakhre-Alam shared, "Congrats Pakistan we got our first Grammys Recording Academy. Thank you and well done, Arooj."
Congrats Pakistan we got our first GRAMMY…. @RecordingAcad thank you and well done Arooj. https://t.co/kbJFS3jEl7
— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) April 3, 2022
Ali Zafar penned, "Wow! This is amazing. Arooj, having witnessed your journey back in the day, your perseverance and pursuit of knowledge in your field give us great joy and a sense of pride. May you keep shining. Bohat si duyaayein (lots of prayers)." He then added, "The news we should see all over national media."
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.
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) April 3, 2022
The news we should see all over national media. https://t.co/w5AlDKDmq8
Hadiqa Kiani added, "In this chaotic world, I’m very happy to wake up to the most beautiful news, Arooj Aftab has won her first Grammy. The Dupatta singer added, "So proud of you. Keep making us proud you rock star!"
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
Muniba Mazari tweeted, "Wow! Arooj Aftab. You make us proud. Shine on!"
Wow! @arooj_aftab You make us proud. Shine on! 🤲🏻♥️💫 https://t.co/dy8v8zzcCm
— Muniba Mazari (@muniba_mazari) April 4, 2022
Politician Shireen Mazari, too, congratulated the artist. "Congratulation, Arooj Aftab! First Pakistani ever (male or female) to win a Grammy! What an amazing voice you have and love your style!" Mazari took to Twitter and shared.
Congratulations @arooj_aftab! First Pakistani ever (male or female) to win a Grammy! What an amazing voice you have and love your style! https://t.co/Cf9lGfnKQr
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) April 4, 2022
Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari also congratulated Arooj. In a tweet, she wrote, "Huge win - not just first female to win a Grammy from Pakistan - but first Pakistani to win a Grammy!! Congratulations."
Huge win - not just first female to win a Grammy from #Pakistan - but first Pakistani to win a #Grammy!! Congratulations @arooj_aftab ♥️ https://t.co/IMyehjyWe7
— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) April 4, 2022
Born to Pakistani parents in Saudi Arabia, Aftab spent her teenage years in Lahore before relocating to Boston's prestigious Berklee School of Music to study music production and engineering.
She released her third studio album "Vulture Prince" to critical acclaim, and gained even more attention after former US President Barack Obama included the track Mohabbat on his 2021 summer favorites list.
Aftab has performed at a number of major New York venues including Lincoln Center and the Museum of Modern Art, also opening for Mitski at The Brooklyn Steel in 2018.
Speaking to AFP in the days leading up to the Grammys, Aftab praised her fellow artists nominated for Best New Artist, a crop that includes favorite Olivia Rodrigo along with rappers Saweetie and The Kid Laroi.
"We're all so cool -- the group itself is kind of like a win," she said.
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