Remembering Sidhu Moose Wala: A ‘Legend’ of Punjabi Music

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May 29 commemorates the one year death anniversary of Punjabi singer, songwriter, and rapper Sidhu Moose Wala. He quickly rose to fame with fans across the world, and is still seen as one of the greatest Punjabi artists of his generation. 

Moose Wala takes his name from his hometown, Moosa, in the Mansa district of Punjab. Born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, he was the only child to Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur. Despite the fame Moose Wala accumulated over his career, he always remained connected to his Punjabi heritage and hometown. 

He came to Canada in 2016 as an international student after graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. He arrived in Brampton, Ontario, and attended Humber College. The City of Brampton is considering naming a future street “Moosa” after the artist, and there are plans underway to install a mural of Moose Wala in the city. 

Moose Wala released his first song in 2017, titled “G Wagon,” featuring Punjabi artists Deep Jandu and Gurlez Akhtar.  His breakthrough song, “So High” was released later that year and it was an immediate success, garnering millions of listeners. This song lifted Moose Wala to new heights as a Punjabi artist. 

Following his breakthrough hit, he was signed to Brown Boys Records with Sunny Malton and Byg Byrd. He was also awarded the 2017 Best Lyricist award at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards for the hit. 

Moose Wala continued to be nominated and awarded for his addictive songs. His 2017 single “Issa Jatt,” with Sunny Malton was nominated for the Best New Age Sensation award at the 2018 PTC Punjabi Music Awards. In Spotify’s 2019 list of the most popular artists in Punjab, Moose Wala was included. His debut album, PBX 1 under T-Series, was listed on the Canadian Albums Chart, and got him the Best Album Award at the 2019 BritAsia TV Music Awards. 

Following his first album, Moose Wala began releasing most of his music under his own label, including his 2020 album Snitches Get Stitches, and his third and final 2021 album, Moosetape. Some of his most popular songs remain “295,” “Dollar,” “Jatt da Muqabala,” and “Never Fold.” 

One of Moose Wala’s songs discusses ongoing issues in Punjab. “SYL” is a reference to the contested Sutlej Yamuna link canal, which, if completed, will divert Punjab’s water to Haryana. 

Moose Wala also spoke of the undivided Punjab, which includes current day Punjab and Haryana, along with calling for the release of unlawfully arrested Sikh prisoners and the farmer’s protests. 

Unfortunately, Moose Wala was murdered on May 29, 2022, before the release of “SYL.” A Canadian gangster named Goldy Brar, has taken responsibility for the shooting. Moose Wala’s security had been reduced the day prior in preparation for the anniversary of Operation Blue Star, as similarly with 424 other individuals. 

“SYL” was released three weeks after his death. On May 15, 2022, Moose Wala released his last song prior to his death titled “The Last Ride,” which was a tribute to some of his biggest inspirations, Tupac, Nipsey Hussle, and The Notorious B.I.G. The cover art for the song pictured the murder scene of Tupac.

Many fans believe Moose Wala predicted his death in this song as he sings in Punjabi, “Everything is revealed in the eyes of the young boy that the funeral will take place in his youth.” 

Many artists paid tribute to Moose Wala following his death, including Drake, NAV, and Nigerian rapper Burna Boy. Karan Aujla released “Maa,” as a tribute to Moose Wala in August 2022. 

Moose Wala continues to be an inspiration to young Punjabis and artists. His story is not only one of success, but the change one can make. While he’s no longer here, his legacy and impact on the Punjabi music industry and the world still live on.