Ed Sheeran teams up with Arijit Singh for special cross-cultural version of ‘Sapphire’

854 News Staff
July 25, 2025

Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh Unite for Special Cross‑Cultural Version of “Sapphire”

A melodic tapestry weaving English, Hindi & Punjabi in celebration of love and unity.

London / India, July 25, 2025 – British pop star Ed Sheeran has released a vibrant new version of his single “Sapphire”, featuring the soulful vocals of India’s leading playback singer Arijit Singh. This multilingual collaboration blends Hindi, Punjabi and English, offering a unique fusion of Western pop and South Asian musical traditions.

A Musical Mosaic

Originally launched on June 5, 2025 as the third single from Ed’s upcoming album Play, Sapphire was already notable for its melodic charm and cultural references. The newly released version, however, marks Ed’s first formal collaboration with an Indian artist and features Arijit Singh singing in Hindi and Punjabi, while Ed himself joins in with a Punjabi-English chorus for the first time in his career. The production by Ilya Salmanzadeh, Johnny McDaid and Savan Kotecha enhances the fusion with rich South Asian percussion textures.

️ Journey to Jiaganj Azimganj: Pilgrimage of Music

Sheeran recently shared that one of his most memorable career moments was traveling to Arijit Singh’s hometown in West Bengal. Accompanied by his father, he described the journey as a “24‑hour trip… a pilgrimage of music” involving a boat ride, conversations over coffee, a scooty ride at night, and even lessons from Arijit—teaching him to sing in Punjabi and play a bit of sitar. He praised the experience as “one of the most amazing days in my musical career,” and shared that he now listens to this version every morning with his daughters, captivated by Arijit’s “voice, tone, flow and rhythm”.

️ Visually Rich Storytelling

The official video—shot across Goa, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Shillong and Jiaganj Azimganj—captures a vivid collage of India. Guided by director Liam Pethick, Ed is seen exploring markets, rooftop dawn performances, local kitchens, beaches, and visiting the A.R. Rahman music school. A playful cameo by Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan adds cinematic flair to the story of creative synergy.

Chart‑Breaking Impact

The remix quickly resonated with global audiences: Sapphire became the first English‑language track to hit No. 1 on Spotify India since 2021, netting over 1.5 billion views on TikTok and more than 130 million YouTube views within weeks of release. Critics and fans alike celebrated the cross‑cultural chemistry and emotional depth of the track.

On the Horizon

The remix sets the tone for Play, Ed Sheeran’s forthcoming album due September 12, 2025, which promises further boundary‑defying collaborations and multicultural explorations.

Why This Matters

This collaboration illustrates music’s power to transcend borders. Ed Sheeran’s genuine devotion to Indian tradition—and his admiration for Arijit Singh—have resulted in a heartfelt fusion that honors both cultures equally. It’s more than just a remix—it’s a musical bridge building empathy, connection, and shared joy.

Stay tuned to Radio 854 as we bring you “Sapphire” feat. Arijit Singh, and celebrate this inspiring example of artistic unity.