Ed Sheeran has released a special version of his song "Sapphire" featuring the vocals of acclaimed Indian singer Arijit Singh. This collaboration blends Western pop sensibilities with Indian musical elements, creating a unique cross-cultural fusion that has resonated with fans worldwide. Sheeran has expressed his admiration for Singh's voice, stating, "I love his voice".
"Sapphire," released on June 5, 2025, is the third single from Sheeran's upcoming album, "Play," scheduled to debut on September 12, 2025. The song is a vibrant celebration of love, using imagery of light, gemstones, and celestial phenomena to express admiration for a cherished partner. The lyrics incorporate English, Hindi, and Punjabi, adding depth and cultural richness to the composition.
Sheeran's appreciation for Arijit Singh's talent runs deep. He first discovered Singh's music while watching the film "Aashiqui 2" and was captivated by his voice in the song "Tum Hi Ho". Sheeran reached out to Singh, expressing his desire to collaborate, and the two finally met when Singh was performing in London. They sang "Perfect" together at that show, and Sheeran played an early version of "Sapphire" for Singh, who immediately had ideas for instruments and melodies.
The collaboration on "Sapphire" became a deeply personal experience for Sheeran. He traveled to Singh's hometown, Jiaganj in West Bengal, India, with his father. Sheeran described the journey as a "pilgrimage" and a "core memory" he will always cherish. He shared how they traveled for almost an entire day to reach Singh's village, where Singh then drove them around on mopeds. Singh also taught Sheeran Punjabi and how to pronounce it correctly, and showed him the sitar.
The music video for "Sapphire," directed by Liam Pethick, further showcases Sheeran's embrace of Indian culture. Filmed across various iconic locations in India, the video is a vibrant journey through bustling streets and famous landmarks. It captures moments of genuine connection with locals, including a group of young soccer players. The video also features a brief appearance by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
"Sapphire" was the first song completed for the album "Play," setting the tone for the project's direction. Sheeran recorded the song in Goa, surrounded by Indian musicians, which he found to be a deeply inspiring experience. The song has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, with fans praising its cross-cultural collaboration and vibrant visuals. Sheeran debuted "Sapphire" live during concerts in Madrid in May 2025, receiving enthusiastic responses from the audience.
