The Rise of Punjabi Music in Canada: A New Era in the Making

TORONTO — Ikwinder Singh, at 23, barely recalls the earlier phase when Punjabi music was almost mainstream in Canada.

As a curious infant during the collaboration of Jay-Z with Panjabi MC in 2003 on 'Beware the Boys (Mundian To Bach Ke),' he missed witnessing the initial fusion of bhangra and hip-hop that teased the charts. This was a sign for Indian listeners of a fresh, emerging global sound that quickly faded from pop radio.

Singh, known in the music world as Ikky, doesn't dwell on what might have been, instead focusing on today's landscape where the narrative has changed.

A distinct new wave of Punjabi talent in Canada is now on an international ascent, infusing Indo-Aryan languages with global hip-hop, R&B, and trap music sounds. This Canadian movement boasts talents like AP Dhillon, Karan Aujla, Gurinder Gill, alongside Ikky himself.

These performers are making waves, topping Canadian charts, heading major tours, leading to speculation on whether Punjabi music might hit a breakthrough akin to the likes of 'Gangnam Style' or 'Despacito.'

The upcoming Juno Awards in Halifax will witness Punjabi-Canadian artists like Aujla and Shubh, competing for prestigious awards amidst well-known pop icons. This represents a landmark moment for a genre that has never before featured in this significant category.

Aujla, with a certified hit 'Softly' under his belt and Shubh, known for his streaming successes 'One Love' and 'Cheques', are indicative of Punjabi music's growing star power on big stages.

Last year, AP Dhillon's performance at the Junos marked another historic moment for Punjabi music on mainstream platforms, despite an unexpected incident involving a stage invader during his act.

Meanwhile, Warner Music Canada's collaboration with its Indian counterpart to launch 91 North Records is set to further support local South Asian artists, with its first release already hitting high on music charts.

The tragic passing of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala also paints a complex picture of the genre's growth, with his posthumous single 'Drippy' climbing charts, showing a sustained interest in Punjabi-Canadian talents.

Globally, the industry is taking notice as renowned Indian performer Diljit Dosanjh is set to tour Canada, carrying the torch of Punjabi music into mainstream venues across the country.

Toronto rapper AR Paisley sees this just as a beginning, predicting a rise of youthful talent. Music producer Gagundeep Singh Randhawa, aka Gminxr, looks back two decades to trace the evolution from traditional instruments to the merging of electronic and hip-hop elements pioneered by artists like Jazzy B.

As audience tastes shifted, streaming platforms began to amplify Punjabi music, leading to successful tours like Dhillon’s with packed venues revealing the demand for this genre.

Industry leaders are now working to provide Punjabi artists with stages and production levels rivaling global stars, ensuring the audience is captivated by both the music and the experience of these performances.

The support from Warner is a positive step, and yet, more backing from other major labels is needed to fully establish Punjabi music within the Canadian fabric.

Rising collaborations, like that between Ed Sheeran and Diljit Dosanjh, hint at the potential for Punjabi music to cross new borders, aligning with other influential music scenes and creating global synergy.

Ikky, through his EP 'Ikky’s House', strives to interweave his Canadian upbringing with Punjabi musical heritage, aiming to popularize this blend on a global stage.

Ikky asserts that Canadian Punjabi music is gaining momentum, and the next step is convincing Canada and then the world of its significant place in the musical landscape.

Punjabi, Canada, music