Sidhu Moose Wala

Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, known professionally as Sidhu Moose Wala, was an Indian singer and rapper whose impact on Punjabi music and cinema remains profound. Born on June 11, 1993, in Moosa, Punjab, Sidhu Moose Wala emerged as one of the most influential figures in Punjabi music. His journey began with a degree in electrical engineering from Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana, but his passion for music led him to a different path. Influenced by the American rapper Tupac Shakur, Moose Wala started his music career as a songwriter, penning the track “License” for Ninja in 2016, and soon made his mark as a lead artist with the duet “G Wagon” in 2017.

Moose Wala’s breakthrough came with the release of his 2018 single “So High,” a gangster rap track that showcased his unique style and lyrical prowess. This success was followed by his debut album, PBX 1, which peaked at number 66 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart and earned him accolades, including the Best Album Award at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards in 2019. His subsequent singles, such as “47” and “Mera Na,” gained substantial attention, ranking on the UK Singles Chart and solidifying his reputation in the Punjabi music industry.

As his career progressed, Moose Wala’s influence extended beyond music. He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 2021 and contested the 2022 Punjab Legislative Assembly election for Mansa. Despite an unsuccessful bid, his political engagement underscored his growing prominence. In his musical career, Moose Wala continued to release successful tracks and albums. His second studio album, Snitches Get Stitches, released in May 2020, featured the popular single “Dear Mama,” which was a tribute to his mother and gained widespread acclaim.

The year 2021 marked a significant milestone as Moose Wala performed at the Wireless Festival in London, becoming the first Indian singer to do so. His third studio album, Moosetape, released in May 2021, charted on various international charts, including the Billboard Global 200 and Canadian Hot 100. The album’s success was a testament to his global appeal and the international recognition of his talent. Moose Wala’s ability to blend Punjabi music with global influences earned him a place among the most popular artists in the Punjabi music scene.

Tragically, Moose Wala’s life was cut short on May 29, 2022, when he was shot dead by unidentified assailants. The killing, attributed to inter-gang rivalry and claimed by Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar, shocked fans and the music industry. His posthumous single “SYL,” released on June 23, 2022, became an immediate hit, reflecting his enduring impact on music.

Throughout his career, Moose Wala faced controversy for his lyrics and themes, which often included references to gun culture and his Jat background. Despite legal challenges and criticisms, his music resonated with many, and he became a symbol of contemporary Punjabi artistry. With the most number-one singles on the Billboard India Songs chart and the first Indian album to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, Sidhu Moose Wala’s legacy is marked by both his remarkable achievements and the controversies that surrounded his career. His influence continues to be felt in the world of Punjabi music, and his contributions remain celebrated by fans worldwide.