WOW Sounds: Arooj Aftab

Arooj Aftab, a trailblazing figure in contemporary music, will perform at the Stavros Niarchos Hall on Monday, April 7, as part of WOW Athens.

Declared as "the coolest rock star in the world right now" by UNCUT magazine, Aftab blends traditional South Asian musical forms with elements of jazz, electronic music, and minimalism, creating a soundscape that challenges musical conventions and captivates listeners. Her works draw inspiration from Ghazal (traditional Persian love songs) and Eastern poetry, bridging cultures and emotions by connecting the past with the present.

In 2024, Aftab released her fourth studio album, Night Reign, which was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Alternative Jazz Album category, while the song "Raat Ki Rani" received a nomination for Best Global Music Performance. Night Reign follows her acclaimed 2021 album, Vulture Prince, which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and made her the first Pakistani artist to win a Grammy.

Aftab has performed at major international festivals, including Primavera, Glastonbury, Coachella, and the Montreal Jazz Festival, where her performances have been described as "rapturous." Her work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and The Financial Times.

With her authenticity, passion, and innovative compositions, Aftab inspires artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, highlighting new perspectives. She creates a mystical experience, with her music resonating like a prayer infused with elements of poetry. Her art is not merely music; it is an invitation to rediscover, through sound, pathways that connect us to our deepest emotions.

Photograph: Kate Sterlin

This event is not included in the WOW Festival Pass 2025.

SNFCC Lead Donor: Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)

WOW Athens 2025 Major Sponsor: Uber

The WOW Athens 2025 festival is co-funded by the European Union through the Program “Attica” 2021–2027.