Pakistani artists Meesha Shafi and Arooj Aftab have put forward their newest works for Grammy Award consideration, signaling the latest milestone in their respective ascents on the global music stage.
Shafi has entered her most recent album, Khilnay Ko, released earlier this year, for contention in three categories: Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance, and Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical).
The project represents her most audacious artistic statement to date, departing from conventional pop structures in favor of experimental soundscapes and deeply personal lyricism. Prioritizing artistic liberty over mainstream acceptance, Shafi crafted an 11-track, 47-minute work that blends poetry, performance, and provocation. The album guides listeners through a journey of confronting grief and emerging with a sense of resolution.
Aftab, building on the momentum of her 2024 album Raat Ki Rani, has submitted the Khruangbin remix of its title track for the Best Remixed Recording category.
This collaborative version with the Texas-based psychedelic trio re-envisions the original’s dreamlike, nocturnal atmosphere, infusing it with a vibrant, groove-oriented energy while ensuring Aftab’s haunting vocals remain the focal point. The album Raat Ki Rani itself, which explores themes of intimacy and quiet control, has further cemented Aftab’s distinctive position in international music—a status she has cultivated since her first Grammy win in 2022.
The industry and fans will now await the outcome of the consideration process for the 2026 Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 1. The initial round of voting is currently in progress and will conclude on October 15. The Recording Academy’s online submission portal remains open for other artists wishing to enter their eligible work.
