With her stunningly beautiful voice and a creative spirit that's unafraid to take risks and push boundaries, it's small wonder that Arooj Aftab has quickly built a reputation as one of the most vital artists working today. The Pakistani-American singer and composer's latest album, 2024's bewitching Night Reign, received two Grammy nominations and featured guest appearances by admirers such as Elvis Costello, Vijay Iyer, and Moor Mother. The latter two artists have appeared previously at Prague Sounds, as has Aftab's guitarist Gyan Riley, so it seems especially fitting that she's making her festival debut this year.

A visionary artist. She has worlds in her voice.

Rolling Stone

On Night Reign, a nocturnal, mysterious ambience surrounds songs that take in elements of traditional Pakistani music, jazz, and song. It is natural progression from its predecessor Vulture Prince (2021), a breakthrough moment in Aftab's career which saw her win the Grammy for Best Global Music Performance for the song 'Mohabbat,' which former US president Barack Obama also included on his summer playlist for the year. The album's Urdu songs of loss and grief struck a chord with listeners across the musical spectrum, and critics were universal in their praise of it, with the Guardian calling Aftab 'the year's biggest music revelation.'

Between those two albums, Aftab collaborated with Vijay Iyer and bassist Shazad Ismaily, who had previously worked with Marc Ribot and Bob Dylan, on the improvisational (and also Grammy-nominted) album Love in Exile. As her star has risen, Arooj Aftab has performed at some of the world's biggest festivals, including Glastonbury and Coachella. Not for nothing did Uncut magazine describe her as 'the coolest star in the world right now.' Come and see for yourself at Lucerna.

Line-up

Arooj Aftab – zpěv