Ed Sheeran collaborates with a group of South Asian artists on his latest EP, “Play (The Remixes),” released today. Following his time in India, Sheeran connected with musicians such as Karan Aujla, Jonita from Surrey, B.C., and Toronto, as well as Hanumankind, Dhee, Santhosh Narayanan, and Arijit Singh, who influenced his original album released in September.
Having toured for over a decade and interacting with various local artists and music styles, Sheeran aimed to encapsulate these diverse experiences in the “Play” EP. The remix EP showcases four tracks from the album, with new verses from the collaborating artists. Notably, the song “Symmetry” features Aujla’s Punjabi hip-hop verses, with Sheeran joining in the latter part of the track.
This collaboration hints at a burgeoning musical partnership between Sheeran and Aujla, with Sheeran expressing admiration for Aujla’s cultural contributions and the musical journey they are embarking on together. Aujla, signed to 91 North Records in 2024, a label under Warner Music Canada led by Ikky, has been actively involved in promoting South Asian music in the country.
Jonita, another artist signed under 91 North Records, lends her vocals to Sheeran’s EP on the track “Heaven,” infusing the melodic love song with her Hindi verse. Sheeran and Jonita’s voices blend harmoniously on the chorus, enhancing the emotional depth of the song. Their collaboration is a testament to the beauty of cross-cultural musical exchanges.
The EP also features tracks like “Sapphire” with Arijit Singh and “Don’t Look Down” with Hanumankind, Dhee, and Santhosh Narayanan, adding a diverse range of sounds and influences to the overall project. The remix EP represents a fusion of talents and cultures, showcasing the richness of South Asian music in a global context.
