After the shimmering pop of “Azizam” and the nostalgic charm of “Old Phone,” Ed Sheeran returns with a vibrant new single, “Sapphire”—an uplifting anthem that blends global sounds with universal emotion. The track arrives as a preview of his much-anticipated new album, Play, set for release on September 12, 2025.
Radiating joy and connection, “Sapphire” is a radiant pop offering layered with intricate South Asian percussion and the mesmerizing sitar and vocals of Indian music icon Arijit Singh. Produced by Ilya Salmanzadeh, Johnny McDaid, and Savan Kotecha, the song weaves together an expansive sonic palette that transcends borders, rooted in Sheeran’s signature heartfelt songwriting.
“Sapphire was the first song I finished for Play that made me know where the album was heading,” Sheeran shared. “Finishing the recording process in Goa and working with amazing musicians across India was incredible. Getting Arijit on the record was the final jigsaw piece. We even made a full Punjabi version that drops in a few weeks—this one’s the album version, and my favorite on the record.”
The music video, directed by Liam Pethick, beautifully captures the cultural heart of India. It begins with Ed performing at dawn on a rooftop before journeying through beaches, bustling markets, film backlots, and serene landscapes. Along the way, he shares studio time and a motorcycle ride with Arijit Singh, makes a stop at the A.R. Rahman Music School, and even features a surprise cameo by Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan.
About the Album ‘Play’
Play marks the beginning of a bold new era for Ed Sheeran. After wrapping up his Mathematics series, the pop icon embraces a fresh global sound—drawing inspiration from Indian and Persian musical traditions, interwoven with his Irish folk roots. The result is a colorful, borderless collection that’s both intimate and grand in scale.
The album blends cross-cultural experimentation with classic Sheeran ballads and acoustic-driven anthems, promising to be one of the defining pop records of 2025. Fans can pre-order ‘Play’ now, ahead of its September 12 release.
