Auckland’s own Sabreen is no stranger to the power of a well-told story. At just twenty-three, the Bengali singer-songwriter has already made a name for herself as a multi-hyphenate creative, balancing a Law Honours degree and a career as a published poet with a rapidly ascending music career. Her latest single, ‘The End’, sees her leaning into her role as a community storyteller, delivering a cinematic Desi-folk ballad that is as politically poignant as it is musically lush.
The track serves as a heartfelt tribute to Palestine, sparked by a hauntingly beautiful anonymous message from a young person in Gaza in 2023. The note, which spoke of a love preserved amidst the chaos of loss, forced Sabreen to look inward. She found herself questioning how she would address her own circle if her world were suddenly to fracture.
“The End is a love letter to Palestine,” Sabreen explains. “It speaks to holding on to your loved ones while the world feels as though it’s ending, and what a privilege it is to do so.”
Musically, ‘The End’ is a grand step forward in Sabreen’s signature sound. Collaborating once again with producer Nate Selway, the track moves away from the breezier indie-pop of her debut EP, ‘Room Service’, into more expansive territory. It is anchored by the shimmering sitar of Sargam Madhur and grounded by rich, sweeping cellos and layered harmonies. This fusion of South Asian heritage and folk sensibilities builds a bridge between the artist's roots in Aotearoa and the human experiences in Palestine.
Sabreen’s commitment to advocacy through art is a recurring theme in her work. Whether she is uncovering forgotten Asian-Kiwi histories in ‘Countryman’ or taking the stage at national rallies, her music feels deeply connected to the world around her. With ‘The End’, she invites listeners into a space of empathy, urging a moment of gratitude for the people we hold dear.
As she prepares to release a live performance film captured at Parachute Studios, Sabreen continues to prove that she is one of New Zealand’s most vital and intentional voices. ‘The End’ is out now, reminding us that even in the darkest hours, there is a profound beauty in the act of holding on.
‘The End’ is available now on all major streaming platforms, and for more, be sure to connect with Sabreen on Instagram, TikTok, and X.
