Belgian techno artist Charlotte de Witte has teased a track with NAVA, an AI-generated Persian vocalist, and the preview has started a debate among fans. She shared a clip of Tales Of The Desert on Instagram, and it is due on a three-track EP called Azadi next month.
At a glance
- Artist: Charlotte de Witte
- Track previewed: Tales Of The Desert
- EP: Azadi, three tracks, due next month
- Label: KNTXT
- Vocalist: NAVA, an AI-generated singer
What we know
The EP is set for release through de Witte's own label, KNTXT. All three tracks reportedly feature the virtual singer. The word azadi means freedom in Persian.
NAVA was created in 2025 by Farbod Mehr, a British-Iranian digital artist. The project draws on Iranian art and history. Mehr presents the character as a symbolic voice for Iranian women who face restrictions on singing in public.
The reaction
Reaction to the teaser has been mixed. Some commenters praised the project for bringing Persian culture to a wider audience and for representing women whose voices have been silenced. Others questioned why an artificial vocalist was used instead of a human singer.
The concerns go beyond how the track sounds. Some listeners want to know what AI means for human creativity, the value of vocal performance and the chances available to real artists. Electronic music has long embraced new technology, but a virtual performer taking the role of a singer is a different step from using a new instrument or piece of software.
Why it matters
The release puts two conversations side by side: AI as a way to carry a cultural message, and growing unease about artificial performers. Fans can respect the intention behind NAVA while still questioning the method. As AI tools become more common, many artists will face the same question of how to experiment without pushing human creativity aside.
You can find upcoming shows and past dates for the artist on RaveConnects, including Charlotte de Witte in Berlin.
