91Èȱ¬

13th October 2023

In May 2022, the highly acclaimed Punjabi rapper and singer Sidhu Moose Wala was tragically shot dead at the age of 28.

Regarded by many as one of the greatest ever Punjabi artists, Moose Wala began his career as a folk singer and lyricist-for-hire, but his distinct delivery, writing and self-expression helped him stand out.

In a new three-part series available now on 91Èȱ¬ Sounds, Bobby Friction delves into Moose Wala's musical journey, while also examining his capacity for self-awareness, his political persona, his legal disputes and rivalries, and the aftermath of his premature death.

Below, Asian Network’s Dipps Bhamrah looks at how Sidhu inspired Punjabi youth to embrace their heritage, elevated the popularity of Punjabi music on social media, sparked controversy, and made a lasting impact with his unique style.

There have always been Punjabi rappers, but the way Sidhu’s flow and lyrics connected was the catalyst for young singers and producers to get into the studio. Sidhu Moose Wala connected with the Punjabi youth worldwide by embracing their heritage and the meaning of striving to succeed. For Sidhu Moose Wala, his turban was everything, and he wanted to express the responsibility he felt to wear it. The pride he took in wearing his turban has impacted so many young Sikh children who began to dress like Sidhu, inspiring them to research more into their faith and culture.

Sidhu Moose Wala was undeniably the first Punjabi superstar whose fame and fortune were cultivated, publicised, and capitalised on thanks to online platforms. You may still sense Sidhu Moose Wala's presence today, even in death, in the shape of his music videos and the reels, comments, and hastags that have been created in his honour. Because his online content was being naturally shared, Moose Wala was able to instantly connect with people all over the world.

For all the positive social impact and awareness his music created, there was always an alternative viewpoint on Sidhu Moose Wala. Whether it was his young age, social influences, or his own convictions, he was never far from controversy during his six-year career. From his early music videos being considered by many to be too violent, to social media feuds with other artists, to releasing diss tracks in response to his political opponents, Sidhu often found himself at the centre of a storm.

Having kicked off his career with the gospel group Brown Boyz, Sidhu Moose Wala went on to collaborate with many Punjabi and non-Punjabi acts to create an incredible list of hit songs. Early Sidhu tracks that connected were ‘So High’, 'Issa Jatt’, ‘Dollar’ and ‘Jatt Da Muqabala'. His first collaboration with a UK artist was on the track ‘Mafia Style’ with Aman Hayer and his song with PropheC, ‘Sone Lagde’, showcased his romantic side which surprised many in 2019. It was later the same year when his first mainstream collaboration dropped alongside producer Steel Banglez, Mist & Stefflon Don for the popular ’47’.

Sidhu Moose Wala's final single before his death, titled 'The Last Ride,' was released on 13th May 2022. The song reportedly paid tribute to rapper Tupac Shakur. However it eerily had similarities with the circumstances of his own death.

Sidhu Moose Wala may not be here today, but the impact and music legacy that he has left will never be understated. For all his perceived achievements and flaws, the one thing that isn’t in doubt is that in a span of six years, we witnessed the rise of one of Punjabi music’s greatest artists.

No voice, no writer, and no singer is ever likely to compare to what Sidhu Moose Wala achieved in his career and his impact on today's artists. If there was ever a Mount Rushmore of Punjabi music, there wouldn’t be any argument against seeing his face up there with the likes of Diljit Dosanjh, Guards Maan and Malkit Singh OBE (pictured above). That’s the incredible legacy of the late great Sidhu Moose Wala.

Bobby Friction tells the story of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala.