There are few artists out there with true household name renown, and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has been whipping up radio hits since the noughties. The “Shape of You” singer has a flair for cozy acoustic warmth, but he’s always been able to wriggle out of his comfort zone for a record even bigger than the last. Which is why his latest feat is a meaningful one.

Pop has certainly had its awkward moments in the last 20 years, with cultures unfortunately being picked apart and stuck on as pure decoration, and no real respect being presented. “Azizam” has a simple poppy premise, but the word isn’t simply a sticker slapped onto a generic track; rather, the song justifies its purpose. It’s as addictively catchy as his 2014 megahit “Sing”, but does not sacrifice authenticity or respect for a more conventional beat. Instead, the delightful use of Persian instruments like the daf and santur have been spotted in the track, as well as the Indian ghatam.

In a gorgeous two-and-a-half minute run, “Azizam” not only proves that utilising cultural references and aspects can be done right, but also that there is so much room for the collaboration of culture in celebration of art. And when an artist everybody knows makes the first move, the game changes.

Azizam is out now.