Arooj Aftab among 30 artists set to shape the next 30 years in music

Mojo's list of stars that'll endure features singer alongside Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar and more

In a world where music transcends boundaries and genres, the confluence of talent and vision has given rise to a new wave of artists who are set to shape the music industry for the next 30 years. Amongst this esteemed cohort is Arooj Aftab, a talented singer-songwriter who has recently been recognized by MOJO, a prominent music magazine. The list curated by MOJO comprises of artists with immense potential and influence, featuring the likes of Taylor Swift, Lana Del Ray, Arctic Monkeys, and Kendrick Lamar.

Taking to her Instagram account, Arooj shared her elation at being included in this prestigious list. With grace and humility, she acknowledged the recognition, while also using her platform to emphasize on the urgency of acknowledging climate change and its potential impact on our future.

The post exuded her genuine excitement, stating, "Posted on main because this is @mojo4music giving me some serious flowers. A great list of artists altogether. Thank you. Ps. Please believe in climate change because how are we getting to 2053 at this rate."

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Arooj Aftab (@aroojaftab)

MOJO, renowned for its keen eye on emerging talents and music trends, featured Arooj's album Vulture Prince and offered insightful commentary on her artistic journey. The magazine noted how a 2007 cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah on YouTube foreshadowed the incredible talents of Arooj, who was born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Pakistan before finally settling in Brooklyn.

Arooj's journey to musical stardom has been remarkable. Over a span of sixteen years, she has evolved into a powerhouse of talent, amassing a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance. Her musical prowess spans across various genres, including jazz as evidenced in her 2023 album with Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily, ambient electronica, and the melancholic power of Qawwali and Ghazal traditions. Arooj's voice is described as possessing a calm gravitas and beauty that can be compared to Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins.

The recognition is another feather in the cap for Arooj, who has positioned herself as a trailblazer in the global music landscape. With her dedication to her craft, versatility in musical styles, and a powerful voice that resonates with emotions and depth, Arooj is set to carve her niche in the annals of musical history, leaving an indelible mark for generations to come.

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