The evening, held in partnership with the refugee charity Choose Love, highlighted SHAB’s story and her commitment to supporting displaced people, with all album profits going directly to the organisation.
SHAB’s partnership with Choose Love places her alongside high-profile supporters such as Harry Styles, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and Rupert Grint, all of whom have championed the charity’s work.
Guests arrived to a warm welcome from SHAB, who was dressed in a dazzling, sparkly gown, and were handed a drink as they stepped into the venue.
The Den’s intimate yet playful atmosphere set the stage for the evening, its sophisticated décor infused with a touch of whimsy. The walls were adorned with bold, larger-than-life portraits and visual puns. One particular piece—a deliberately lopsided painting of a ship—became a conversation starter, drawing curious glances.
As the evening began, SHAB took the time to deliver an emotional speech recounting her experience fleeing Iran as a child.
She described her journey through Germany before settling in the U.S. as a teenager and expressed gratitude to her husband, Rob, as well as Choose Love for their work supporting refugees worldwide.
SHAB spoke about the significance of the collaboration: “I am deeply honored to serve as an ambassador for Choose Love. As someone who has walked the path of a refugee, I know firsthand the challenges faced by displaced people around the world. I myself have been a refugee as well as a displaced person, having been forced by the circumstances of my homeland to seek a better life."
A three-course meal was served as SHAB continued to share her story, holding up a replica small suitcase she carried when she left Iran to illustrate the limited belongings she started her new life with.
As dinner progressed, SHAB introduced key tracks from 'One Suitcase', beginning with 'Baraye', an acoustic rendition of the powerful anthem associated with Iran’s Woman, Life, Freedom movement. The videos montage highlighting protests and calls for equality in Iran.
"When we choose to shelter the homeless and feed the hungry, such acts fulfill directives that cross both cultures and religions. I can tell you from my personal experience that where the need is so great, serving these people In such great deed is the most human of actions.
"To be a refugee is to carry the weight of loss, but also the strength of survival. It is an honor to help others in their darkest moments, for in extending a hand, we uphold the dignity of humanity and remind each other that hope and love still exists," said SHAB.
Other featured songs included 'Lipstick', 'One Suitcase', and 'Afterglow', which closed the evening with a newly released music video.
"Choose Love’s work goes beyond providing essential aid—it restores hope, dignity, and humanity. It is a privilege to represent a movement that believes in compassion without borders and supports those in need with unwavering kindness.”
A representative from Choose Love praised SHAB’s involvement, emphasizing the importance of amplifying refugee voices: "We are thrilled that Shab has agreed to be an ambassador for Choose Love! Shab understands the lived experiences of many people we support first hand.
"She shines a light on the stories and humanity of people who have experienced forced displacement and we are so grateful that she will be supporting our work at Choose Love. We are honoured that she has decided to generously donate profits from her sophomore album to us. These funds will help to ensure that displaced people receive essential supplies and care when it's most needed”
SHAB first gained international recognition in 2020 and has since built a growing global following, with collaborations including the chart-topping single VooDoo with Fat Joe. Her new album, One Suitcase, explores themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery, reflecting both her personal journey and the struggles faced by refugees worldwide.
With its release, 'One Suitcase' stands as both a musical and humanitarian statement—one that underscores SHAB’s mission to use her platform for change.
https://open.spotify.com/album/0btRgc5uotO4qb46RSBQF1?si=OflgRbD-T3Sh2ZBbFn8D5Q