Pakistani-American artist Arooj Aftab has roped in Texan psych-rock outfit Khruangbin for a melodic reworking of ‘raat ki rani’.
This new version of the track – which translates to “Queen of the Night”, the fragrant night-blooming flower – came about after their Autumn tour together. Influenced by the Brazilian music style maracatu, the lead single from Aftab’s 2024 album, ‘Night Reign’, is given a groovy soul house uplift, with Aftab’s re-recorded vocals enhancing the track’s evocative atmosphere.
This new version of ‘raat ki rani’ arrives after Aftab’s performance of the song onLater… with Jools Hollandlast year, and follows on from the Night Reign headline tour which saw Aftab embark on a string of live shows including Glastonbury Festival, Pitchfork London at London’s iconic Roundhouse.
Aroof Aftab returns to the UK for a string of festival performance this year, including Polygon Live in London on May 2nd, and Love Supreme Festival in East Sussex on July 6th.
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Photo Credit: Kate Sterlin