How Punjabi megastar Diljit Dosanjh is inspiring the next gen
Singer Diljit Dosanjh will be bringing his Punjabi style to the UK
“Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye (Punjab has arrived)”.
There’s only one way to start a show if you’re Diljit Dosanjh.
The trailblazing Punjabi artist has had a dizzying rise over the past few years.
He’s been heard across the world thanks to collaborations with Western acts including Sia, Ed Sheeran and rapper Saweetie.
And he cemented his megastar status by becoming the first Punjabi-language singer to perform at US music festival Coachella, following that with an appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show.
But, as the traditional greeting he uses at the start of each show suggests, wherever he goes in the world, he always brings Punjab with him.
And fans, collaborators and friends say that’s part of the secret to his appeal.
Punjabi power
“He’s shown how important it is to keep in touch with your culture,” says Khushi Kaur, a British Punjabi vocalist.
“And in an empowering way, as an artist who is growing,” Khushi, 20, tells BBC Newsbeat.
Khushi, from Nottingham, considers Diljit her main role model and feels his commitment to Punjabi culture explains some of the success.
“He has worked with Western artists, but maintained that cultural aspect,” she says.
“And that is so important because when us as the younger generation look at that, and see what he’s done… it says to us we can be a part of that.
“In our music or the way we dress, it makes us look up and say ‘we can make it’.”
Like her idol Diljit, Khushi started off doing kirtans (devotional songs)
During his appearance on The Tonight Show, Diljit performed in his native language and dressed in traditional Punjabi attire, with a bhangra-filled performance.
One of the songs he performed was G.O.A.T., a track he worked on with British-Asian producer G-Funk.
He says Diljit’s appeal comes from a sense of mystery and curiosity, and doesn’t believe Western audiences would pay as much attention if he sang in English.
“People who are not Punjabi are wondering what he’s saying and what the big fuss is,” he says.
“That’s helped him.”
G-Funk says Diljit also resonates with audiences who share his Punjabi heritage by sticking to his traditions and native language.
He says he messaged the star after his Tonight Show appearance: “Thank you for putting our people on the map.”
“To be representing our people, not shying away from our culture is a big thing,” he says.
US rapper Saweetie told Podcrushed that Diljit was a “respectful and humble” collaborator, and it’s something G-Funk says he’s experienced while working with him for a number of years.
Despite being a successful musician, actor and film producer, G-Funk says the singer is a “normal and down to earth guy”, and one of their first meetings took place over dinner at Nando’s.
“He will address people as ‘Paaji’ [elder brother] even though I’m much younger than him and I haven’t done anything on his level,” says G-Funk.
He is also quick to respond to those lucky enough to have his number.
“He loves his voicenotes and there’s two emojis he likes using.
“Prayer hands and the really smiley face that goes up to your eyes.”
Up-and-coming artist Khushi says staying clear of controversty and the model of modesty Diljit portrays is an inspiration for a young artist like her.
“He has maintained his morals, his ethics and he’s remained humble which is amazing to see.
“I think that’s one thing I definitely keep that no matter how much I do,” she says.
