Arooj Aftab: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

[@bareeatariq2083]

For the people that don't understand the lyrics, I'd just explain a general idea of what she's singing about in each song. (A very bad attempt, and doesn't even come close to how deep the lyrics are) 1. Suroor: It's a song a lover sings for their beloved, and how exhilarating the love is for them and compares it to being similar to becoming intoxicated and addicted to alcohol. (Original qawali sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a very highly acclaimed Pakistani singer, and the lyrics are from the sufiism genre) 2. Mohabbbat (literally translates to love): Once again, a lover describing to his beloved that their will never be a dearth of people loving them except they won't be a part of those anymore (a way to express that they'd love them till they die) they also express the unfulfilled desire of not being close to their lover (a common theme in the genre of this poetry aka Ghazal. The original sung by a famous Ghazal artist Mehdi Hassan) 3. Saans (Breath) Similar theme with Ghazal, the lover telling themselves to keep breathing, even if they're desolate in tbis world/ their beloved is not here/not acknowledging them, and eventually these days will pass and their will be a new revelation of love and womanhood.

[@gyueh2]

wow... thank you for this.

[@synchronoise71]

Thanks! I did wonder

[@wherehopelives]

Thank you for this. Love.

[@mayakovskaya6710]

I was just about to search for a translation. My Urdu isn't good enough to understand more than bits and pieces, but I love it so much!!!

[@bareeatariq2083]

@@mayakovskaya6710 I'd still recommend looking up actual translations because the lyrics are absolutely magnificent

[@angelataormina5919]

I can not put into words what this did for my soul....Grateful to have found you.

[@insaelliott1318]

I have fallen in love with Aftab's voice. It reminds me of the wind blowing through the trees and across the dessert. So full of longing....

[@liquidminds]

What I love about tiny desk is that there is almost a guarantee that the unknown artists will be better than the known ones. Such a great project!

[@69ridlah]

Absolutely

[@dasrajalaxmi947]

she is grammy nominated this year

[@liquidminds]

@@dasrajalaxmi947 that is awesome! well deserved.

[@rimbaudification]

Sure, the unknown has no attachments to anything, including labels.

[@Thesureleague]

I cannot put my finger on it, but there is something very special about Arooj. I am a die hard Mehdi Hasan fan and grew up listening to exquisite Pakistani ghazal singers, and yet I enjoyed her version of Mohabbat and not because Obama likes it. It truly is magnetic in its own right. Her integrity and honesty shines through and through. Mesmerised by the control and comfortable spaces of silence, meditative.

[@Dahrenhorst]

That's one of the best singers I've ever listened to. And I'm getting 63 next month - I've listened to many.

[@flexprog3374]

The formation is highly unusual. South asian vocals and inspiration, electric and synth bass, classical violin, european folk harp and classical guitar playing sometimes spanish sometimes african-like rythms. The whole musical world in one room.

[@RobertSlover]

its called good music. everybody understands the blues.

[@elinannestad5320]

I'm glad someone knows. To me, it is like water out of a tap, I have no idea what goes into making it sound as it does. Like direct from heaven.

[@imacarguy4065]

There are lots of this stuff in the subcontinent. Its just more niched. Not everyone's cup of tea.

[@shamoonsaqib]

This woman has so much gravity in her voice, it pulls you in. It's haunting and ethereal at the same time, something with an unforgettable aftertaste. Truly loveable!

[@silviac221]

Exactly! Haunting is the word I was going to use to describe her voice after reading the comments. You said it first. Haunting and absolutely beautiful. I could listen to her forever.

[@garethfitzpatrick3932]

Well described. You don’t often hear a voice like this, which expresses so much soul and has the power to reach in and touch your own. She’s a rare artist, and I’ll put money on Arooj one day reaching legendary status.

[@osman01003]

Too black and depressing.

[@rizwanmuhammad6468]

Well which Pakistani female singer does it have that. Go and look

[@shamoonsaqib]

@@rizwanmuhammad6468 I believe Natasha Baig and Quratulain Balouch have similar timbres to give them the guttural emotion, while Zoe Viccaji and Sara Haider have that tasteful haunt in their works, but Arooj somehow combines the two qualities in her work. It's almost like contemporary sufism.

[@jeffmorrison2915]

Arooj Aftab is a Pakistani-born, Brooklyn-based musician and composer known for her innovative approach to traditional South Asian classical music. Integrating elements of Pakistani classical and Sufi music with various contemporary styles such as jazz, folk, and ambient, Aftab creates a unique and ethereal sound that resonates globally. Her music is often characterized by her delicate vocals, minimalist arrangements, and deep, introspective lyrics, often derived from classical Persian influenced Urdu poetry and Sufi literature. Over the years, Aftab has gained significant acclaim for her ability to bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern sensibilities, crafting a soundscape that is both deeply rooted in South Asian heritage and universally appealing.

[@sohailazia5570]

Also to add she sings in Urdu which is one of the oldest south Asian languages.

[@jeffmorrison2915]

@ Urdu is actually a Persian offshoot.

[@annewelch2134]

She has such a dreamy voice - and with the ensemble I feel like I'm swimming in cool water in a desert oasis

[@staffanolofsson8201]

If the world could just listen to this music instead of making war we should be much nearer a happy planet for all of us. Maybe a naive thought, but I am still able to imagine.

[@brentwalker8596]

John Lennon said something similar decades ago.

[@abidfarooqui4899]

Wow. I had forgotten the poetry in Urdu is so darn beautiful. I guess when you grow up with something, you can only find how special it is after forgetting it for decades. Even saying seemingly simple things can sound so deeply melodic and in the unique hands of Arooj, this just becomes magic. Such a wonderful band also. Perfect.

[@jontyutd]

As a 54 year old i have learned the ears are a better judge of music first, than the eyes. Fall in love with the songs first and prejudices fade away. I wish the world would follow suit.

[@jaivkoltun4948]

It will, when people begin to "see & hear" with their hearts first. . .

[@Rubylove48]

Finally some Music with south Asian influence at tiny desk. Congrats.

[@rs9610]

My dad used to listen to ghazals every day and I just didn't... get it. And then along came Arooj and everything suddenly clicked. Feels like I can connect with him through music now. Good luck at the Grammys, and beyond -- can't wait to hear more!

[@zainm5919]

idk it clicked for me when I heard Nusrat for the first time, and Atif Aslam. But she's great too, I like what she did with the instrumentals

[@kartiksharma3011]

She definitely deserves the Best New Artist Grammy !

[@anubhasingha3496]

But we all know they are gonna give it to olivia rodrigo🙃

[@munazaahmad6389]

@@anubhasingha3496 and they did .. :(

[@sohailazia5570]

She had won Grammy award.

[@bartpickford1836]

For power, I look to the voice of silvana estrada. However, Arooj's voice makes me feel like I'm levitating. So grateful for all of these soundscapes from the world over 🎉🎉

[@muzzamil4721]

For those of you complaining, she isn’t trying to sing like the original songs she’s singing them in her own way and it’s a whole new composition done by her. It’s hauntingly beautiful! There’s a dept in her voice which is undeniable.

[@robhuggins912]

I’d never heard of her until a few days ago, and I don’t listen to this type of music…..until a few days ago! Absolutely magical!!!

[@sarahuddin1453]

She hits those low notes so beautifully too, the emotional depth in her voice is so perfect for songs of heart ache, I love her so much, she 10000% deserves the Grammy for newcomer!

[@orbitaljunkie]

Discovering artists like this is why I keep coming back here. Amazing set.

[@mrexpress8002]

Pakistani Music is amazing 🇵🇰 You should listen to coke studio Pakistan. Coke studio season 14 Mehram . its an emotional song.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Suroor* (7:48) 8:27 - *Mohabbat* 15:59 - *Saans Lo* [21:56 - Tiny Desk team]

[@LovingSoul61]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@misstjassa]

Thank you! 😍

[@timmitchnz]

Wow. That might be the most beautiful 20 minutes of music I’ve heard this year. Utterly sublime. Thank you.

[@kimribbink8275]

I had not heard of Arooj Aftab until the finalists for the Grammys were announced. Most just do nothing for me, but this is simply beautiful.

[@swright1970]

Aftab's sultry vocals are so well accompanied by this truly unique ensemble that I found myself forgetting that I don't understand a word of the Urdu language. Rather, the message is eloquently uttered in the universal tongue of music.

[@descartesdonkey4291]

absolutely

[@funkydisciple]

Yes! Great post. Exactly what I was feeling too.

[@picassobritta]

Well said!

[@danarzechula3769]

Beautifully said

[@safifaruqi]

Thank You Arooj for all that you have done for Pakistan, im emotional, one of our mnay talented musicians is finally breaking through on world stage again! Hope you win the grammy!

[@farhanmirza7587]

I love the fact that she is getting the recognition she deserves There are a lot of talented musicians like her in pakistan and India which don't get the recognition of the west.But i hope that after this people check them out as well.

[@cirkels]

I would love to! Do you have any recommendations?

[@farhanmirza7587]

@@cirkels ali sethi is another good artist or you can just check out coke studio pakistan.

[@gagandeepsinghbindra]

@@cirkels try peter cat recording company. You'll love it

[@wildhoney8154]

@@farhanmirza7587 Coke Studio Pakistan has opened up a whole new world of music for me - I fell in love with ghazal. One of my favorite songs ever is Atif Aslam's version of Aaye Kuch Abr.

[@unitsouled5192]

That harp, woah. And, the bass player pocketing it with literally timeless music. Awesome.

[@Joan-ot9nf]

Can't get enough of this woman. She's incredible just as the people accompanying her.

[@nicholaslevintow956]

Agreed. It says a lot about an artist who is able to gain the support and love of other great artists.

[@matteotroncone]

I saw this tour serendipitously in San Francisco, and was instantly brought to tears by the beauty, power, and grace of her voice. It goes right to your heart. My compliments Arooj. A deep bow. 🙏🏻

[@annac4047]

my Scottish dad sent me 'mohabbat' after hearing it on BBC Radio 6 and i find it the most soothing, beautiful song. the live performance does not disappoint! arooj has one of the smoothest, most effortless singing voices ive heard. love to the whole band, amazing i loved the harp especially x

[@ChintanCG]

The year was 2006. I remember coming across a scruffed up recording of a pakistani girl singing strings song aankhen and falling in love with the voice. Then listening to more of her stuff Great to see how far she's come ! God bless

[@michsub]

All the musicians are so superb, it is difficult to single any one of them out. But I must say, this is the most dynamic harpist I've ever heard.

[@silkejennen8789]

I haven't heard such music in germany. It's so different, so excitingly nice to my ears, mind and soel. This is a moment I am happy about the internet. It helps comming in contect with unknown, unusual and enriching art and people.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Let my just say that I am completely breathtaken by her voice, the urdu lyrics (that I dont understand, but have a chance to come nearer due to other comments), the celtic harp, the classic guitar and the violin. And the arabic touch of harmonies in this music. If there is something like "World Music", this must be one of the best examples of it.

[@branscombeR]

@Staffan_Olofsson Imagine if AJ re-discovered her Iranian and Japanese roots? R (Australia)

[@skyfasportsmanagement89]

You should know the meaning it will shocked you how deep it is

[@hansy1305]

That violin solo at 4:31 just ripped my heart out!

[@kjypeace]

Amazing. Every note, tone, echo, reverberation, squeak, word, has weight and purpose. Fantastic. You made a new fan!

[@krishanudutta9332]

I sink into the depths of her voice. There's a sense of surrender. Takes all the chips off your shoulders. Amazing!

[@elizamainethebrave]

Her voice is so lovingly deep and calming. Such a magical performance.

[@mrexpress8002]

Pakistani Music is amazing 🇵🇰 You should listen to coke studio Pakistan. Coke studio season 14 Mehram . its an emotional song.

[@Polotioube303]

"Mohabbat" ... Most empathetic title I have heard to date. It is bordered by fragrances of sufferings yet so appeased. Peace of mind, the result of forced acceptance. Thank you for this moment of literary and acoustic beauties.

[@m.g.4060]

I had heard one of her songs many months ago and forgot her name. I've spent so long looking for it again. thank you tiny desk! not only is ms aftab amazing, but her entire ensemble

[@manoellainvulnerable3078]

The violonist style had me wanting to know more about him, his routine, his GRWM thing...im in LOVE with ppl who dare to dress the way they want, w/o giving a flip bout wat PPL WOULD SAY...

[@trioofone8911]

My comment when I shared this to my Facebook page: "Wow. This calls for a re-listen, with headphones, in the dark"

[@dremeza3665]

Darian's solo in "Suroor" is just beyond. I'm playing it on repeat. It just moves me to so much emotion. Incredible performance--seriously!!!

[@andycordy5190]

Thank you NPR! I love the album from which this comes as I do her earlier releases and being unlikely to have a chance to see Arooj Aftab live, this is a unique opportunity for me to visualise what her performances might be like. This is truly a music for our complicated times. I'm sure she is an inspiration to many young people in Pakistan trying to reconcile complex cultural inheritance with the rapidly changing modern world. I've never heard a controversial statement in this music but I am sure there are those who find it so. To me it whispers gently of tenderness compassion and love. The concept of neo sufi is a delightful prospect for me, I have been a fan of Qawwali since hearing it first in the 1980s and I really hope there are artists determined to keep the Sufi traditions alive and extend that gorgeous melody making into the cultures of the future..

[@safifaruqi]

Lovely thoughtful comment Andy, and your knowledge of Pakistani musical influences and history is truly impressive. Performance like these and artists like arooj are the true representations of the value we can add to the world, not the other stuff we are usually in the news for.

[@gayathriomanandi]

Beautiful voice and musical arrangement

[@AndrewWatson401]

The most NPR-music thing ever, in a good way.

[@Krewella]

this performance brought me so much peace. shukria for a beautiful performance by you and your band

[@alihammadshah]

wow hello.

[@seanrimada8571]

The amount of authenticity and uniqueness in this performance is grand like powerful words of wisdom contained on an ancient scripture.

[@krystlelamont5177]

Just saw her this weekend in SF. New music discovery!!! Such a spectacular voice and presence. Thank you for sharing your light with the world 💞

[@patrickbarrow9060]

This is possibly, definitely the best TDC ever.

[@JeanFelipeSchwab]

After watching The Social Dilemma a lot of people became more concerned about the KZbin algorithm. But it's still bringing me these magical bands, so it's OK from my side. Go ahead, KZbin! What a magical sound! I'm hypnotised!

[@EricWmUpdate]

Subtle, tightly woven rhythm, sublime vocals and when that violin hits at 4:30, my heart exploded. Thank you.

[@TheWhyer]

The violinist's appearance has some major Thundercat energy

[@samuelbrisseau2694]

I was thinking, if Lizzo & Questlove a had child...

[@amanaki8237]

I can see a bit of Kamasi Washington there too

[@darianthomas1222]

Now THIS is what I LOVE TO HEAR

[@fashionx88]

I just looked them up because they looked familiar and it said used to play with Moses Sumney so that must be it. Makes sense.

[@mattward5071]

@@darianthomas1222 Hey, it's you! Killed it, great performance. Stay gold.

[@Bigwhitemountianofsnow]

Arooj making us proud!!! Pakistan zindabad

[@nikosbsas]

I didn't understand a single word, but since I'm a melomaniac, I'm not interested! Incredible piece of art, I didn't know the artists. Thank you very much NPR for bringing new (for me) artists to my ears! Greetings from Argentina!

[@trioofone8911]

The fiddler's solos on the first song roared! As a fiddler (sure, violin, whatever. I do both) who uses fx, I wanted to let the fiddler know that people notice: the spacey delay/verb used in the second song is a beautiful touch, particularly during the moog solo--when everything is close mic'd and direct into the board, fx like that massage the ears with their space and depth, and those high harmonic stabs were beautifully textural. Oh, and everyone else is great too. 😆

[@trioofone8911]

Oh God, gorgeous violin solo in the 3rd song!

[@trioofone8911]

And more of those harmonics that fade off slowly into forever...

[@trioofone8911]

Wow

[@khurramkoraishy2822]

Have been tripping on this music for the last 48 hours. Jazz with Sufi , am blown away. Love your work Arooj and Tymour voice with these instruments and the poetry in Urdu is just fantastic and fabulous.

[@toncid]

What I noticed the most that I will try to put in words as well as not to offend anybody is the mesmerizing beauty of the vocalist, on all levels...

[@ladyc5086]

Some of the most beautiful sounds I’ve heard in one set. Great job!

[@bobkimberlyvideo1]

My favorite singer right now. Wonderful musicians as well.

[@ThePattiw]

I love the mix of traditional qawaal and ghazal with the jazz, and European instruments. Her voice is fantastic, I get the same feeling listening to her as I do listening to the Great Abida Parveen.

[@tharner5725]

I thought the same thing!

[@rustedoakhomestead]

What an amazing ensemble of musicians.... Couldn't understand the words, but every bit of this spoke to and soothed my spirit.

[@noritakataniguchi266]

The impact of this violinist's appearance is too great!

[@elinannestad5320]

I know nothing here is about the dress but, as one who loves my dresses, that dress is carried as a dress is meant to be.

[@lindatauhid9958]

Low-key searching for Ramadan appropriate listening…If love songs aren’t a form of prayer-I don’t know what is. T.D. always on point!

[@scohan44]

I was so fortunate to see Arooj and her amazing band in October at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco. She simply stunned and her exquisite set was over way too soon. I do believe we could have sat there all day listening to her!

[@jimedenbaum2525]

I love when this happens...I work in a music shop, and today I was checking in the new album/cd by Arooj. The data base listed her as "rock", but looking at the songs titles I switched her to "international", but made a note to check her music out to be sure. Then I come home and my KZbin feed suggests Arooj Aftab Tiny Desk Concert. My work computer is in house, that is it is not connected to the interwebs. Lovely music, and I will be buying the album tomorrow...

[@Usbarlas]

A rough translation for the second song, Mohabbat by Arooj: seeing how you have ample lovers around you, i will not be one of them this is sad, as i love you the most. the sadness of this is equal to the sadness of all the world. and were there not this one sadness, how much happiness would there be in this world. and even if i do somehow get to be one of your lovers, the sadness of my time spent in separation from you will be all that consumes me i will not be one of those lovers to you

[@spacejazz6272]

how amazingly dramatic, i love it

[@standominguez8172]

A musician myself, I always welcome new talent or talent that is new to me. I'm glad that I decided to watch your tiny desk video. Your music filled the room with rich harmonies and melody. The musicians are playing wonderfully together and your lovely voice singing so smooth and melodic. Thank you. Hope to hear more from you 😊

[@saiwenya]

I am absolutely starstruck by this group. This musics touches my soul in a way I can’t explain. The musicians are so in sync and they all look so serene. Arooj’s voice gives me a sense of deep connection to culture and ancestors, though personally my roots are in Armenia, which is not particularly close to Pakistan but has so much in common. South and Southwest Asian music is just something else.

[@mhryzvi4491]

I just saw her on KZbin pbs aired her not long ago as a Pakistani who lives in ny i am extremely proud to see her success wish to see her live one day if know her upcoming concerts

[@mercerino]

Holy smokes. This is awesome! Thank you Arooj Aftab & NPR Tiny Desk!

[@nunyabiddness4013]

This is profoundly moving. Music is a universal language. This is a primary example. Love your voice and love the band … immense talent in that room. Thank you .. looking forward to learning more.

[@karina6462]

This music has reinforced my need for patience in a world that is filled with so much rush… Ataahua

[@bilalarshad9794]

That's exactly what I was thinking 😏

[@staffanolofsson8201]

After listening to this great music SO many times, I have come to understand what the celtic harp does for this sound. So thank you Maeva Gilchrist, Your playing is wonderful!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Maeve Gilchrist, thank you so much for your wonderful playing on the Celtic Harp! More and more I have understood how important your contribution to this this music is. Together with the other you make this a place for rest and healing.

[@aditimishra9900]

She is an immensely TALENTED woman!!! Her voice is packed with so much depth and emotion. ♥️

[@melvinharris1210]

Suroor is one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed.

[@neonfear]

This is so wonderful. Some heart swelling chord changes. So much texture and richness. Talented musicians.

[@arsheenagowani2932]

Your rendition of mohabat has haunted me and given me a strange peace always. I feel pain for something I don't even have and a longing I don't understand. But today I had tears and I breathed... I felt my breath rising as your performance met its end on sans lo... haseeen haseeeeen tareeeen ehsas!

[@mugen-love]

I've listened to this nine times in a row now... it's on perpetual loop. Thank you for your gift

[@herbie72]

Saw her last night in Manchester. Was completely blown away. Such an effortless performance by Arooj and the immense musicians. There were only four of them yesterday (no bass guitar or harp), but a super-talented double-bass player instead. Wonderful stuff :)

[@brownsvilleization]

I posted on another thread that I was privileged to see her in Bristol at the Redgrave theatre this year, with Maeve Gilchrist on harp. I wiped away tears.

[@walidbreidi2284]

Perfect…nothing more to say, silence is more eloquent in this case. Thank you all.

[@veronicacuratola3640]

Everything about this set-up in incredible! I envy so much the violinist in the dresses looks flawless, low-key stealing the show

[@isalina12]

So glad to see you on this platform Arooj!! Your music for the last 5 years has been so enlightening ❤️

[@synchronoise71]

Vulture Prince is my favourite album this year. Not my usual cup of tea as I’m a funk/hip hop/acid kinda guy. It’s a refreshing change. Seeing them live for their first UK tour soon. Front seats

[@shwetarupalika]

Stumbled across Arooj's stunning voice in coke studio's mehram.. absolutely divine

[@isabelbritez9781]

I've got no idea what she's singing about, but I'm already listening to it for the second time today, and she impresses me while touching my soul as Silvana Estrada did (go listen to her tiny desk after this one)

[@nirashequi5913]

Wow que hermosa música, aunque no se que esta diciendo pero suena hermosisimo!! La combinación de sonidos es perfecta...arpa con guitarra, violín, guitarra eléctrica, teclado y su voz! Que bonito que suena. Y luego el solo de violin!!! uff. Felicitaciones a estos músicos que linda composición. Saludos

[@george-vhs]

So beautiful ! I only just read about the story behind Saans Lo (the lyrics were written by Annie Ali Khan, a friend of Arooj that recently passed away) and while I always loved it, this time around it brought tears to my eyes !

[@marlena0217]

This is very smoothing in those stressful times. They are absolutely incredible, all of them. beautiful! greetings from Switzerland

[@superd222tube]

Her voice creates an unforgettable image, while as a group, their sound sweeps you away to a tranquil destination.

[@모타운걸]

I've never heard of these sound! It's touching in me where even i didn't know! I want to know more about arooj aftab and southern asian bands ❣️

[@irtizaahmed6234]

literally the best live set by this woman to date!

[@morirsinmagia]

Each instrument was created in different places, but the Arooj's talent and voice united them 🤎

[@mrexpress8002]

Pakistani Music is amazing 🇵🇰 You should listen to coke studio Pakistan. Coke studio season 14 Mehram . its an emotional song.

[@pachelruli5320]

This is so beautiful that it made me cry within the first minute - the first time that has ever happened! Her stunning, clear voice over the instrumentals that remind me of the English folk music I grew up with is just indescribable...

[@remedy82]

Unexpectedly, I find myself utterly compelled by the writing in the description of these concerts as well. Every detail of Tiny Desk is sublime.

[@aneebaba06]

Seeing her tomorrow night here in Portland! Looking forward to it.

[@seankelly1399]

This might be a long shot, but right around 3:00 and for the little bit after, I hear a lot of Dave Matthews inspiration/sounds. Especially with what the bass guitarist is playing. It could just be the fact that this style of music and Dave’s cultural blend employ the same scales and feel, but this made me love the performance even more. Arooj will be opening for khruangbin in September and this is my formal introduction to her, it’s why I clicked on this video. I am absolutely blown away and can’t wait to experience this live!

[@carolmiller5713]

Love this! Feels like sitting at a little table watching a beautiful scene. Helps me forget all the stressful things going on these days. Thank you Arooj & the beautiful accompanists.