Sidhu Moose Wala Biography

Sidhu Moose Wala Biography: Sidhu Moose Wala real name is Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, He left an indelible mark on the world of Punjabi music and cinema during his lifetime. Born on June 11, 1993, Moose Wala’s talent as a rapper and singer propelled him to the forefront of the industry. Hailing from Moosa, Punjab, he began his journey as a songwriter and swiftly rose to prominence as a lead artist.

Moose Wala’s contributions to Punjabi-language music were monumental, earning him recognition as one of the greatest artists of his generation. He played a pivotal role in elevating Punjabi artists to mainstream success, breaking barriers and paving the way for others. His track “So High” catapulted him to fame, and his debut album, PBX 1, made waves internationally, peaking at number 66 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart.

Throughout his career, Moose Wala achieved numerous milestones, including being named among The Guardian’s 50 up-and-coming artists in 2020. He made history as the first Punjabi and Indian singer to perform at the Wireless Festival and garnered acclaim with four wins at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards.

However, Moose Wala’s journey was not without controversy. His lyrics and themes often stirred debate, with some accusing him of glorifying gun culture and perpetuating stereotypes. Despite facing legal challenges, Moose Wala remained unapologetic about his artistry, pushing boundaries and challenging norms.

Tragically, Moose Wala’s life was cut short on May 29, 2022, when he was shot and killed by unidentified assailants. His untimely demise sent shockwaves through the music industry, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire fans worldwide. Even in death, Moose Wala’s influence endures, with his posthumous single “SYL” released on June 23, 2022.

Though his journey was marked by triumphs and tribulations, Sidhu Moose Wala’s impact on Punjabi music remains unparalleled, ensuring that his memory lives on through his timeless contributions to the art form.

Early Life

Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu hailed from the village of Moosa in the Mansa district of Punjab, India, born into a Jat Sikh family to parents Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur.

His academic journey led him to Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College in Ludhiana, where he pursued a degree in electrical engineering, graduating in 2016. It was during his time in Ludhiana that his passion for music blossomed, influenced greatly by the legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. His musical talents were honed under the guidance of Harvinder Bittu.

Fascinated by hip-hop since his sixth-grade years, Sidhu Moose Wala’s immersion in the genre deepened during his studies. Upon completing his education, he ventured to Brampton, Ontario, Canada, as an international student, continuing his studies at Humber College. It was during this period that he adopted the stage name “Sidhu Moose Wala,” paying homage to his roots in Moosa, Punjab.

Career

Moose Wala’s musical journey began in 2017 with the release of “G Wagon” while he resided in Brampton. His breakthrough came later that year with “So High,” a collaboration with music producer Byg Byrd, earning him the 2017 Best Lyricist award at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards. Joining Brown Boys Records alongside Sunny Malton and Byg Byrd, he continued to captivate audiences with hits like “Issa Jatt,” “It’s All About You,” and “Just Listen.”

Transitioning to live performances in India in 2018, Moose Wala maintained his momentum with chart-topping singles such as “Tochan” and “Famous,” the latter entering the UK Asian Top 40 Chart. Nominated for the Best New Age Sensation award at the 2018 PTC Punjabi Music Awards for “Issa Jatt,” he expanded his repertoire with the release of “Dollar,” his first film soundtrack song, for the movie Dakuaan Da Munda.

Venturing into independent releases in 2018, Moose Wala made waves with “Warning Shots,” a diss track directed at Karan Aujla’s “Lafaafe.” His debut album PBX 1, launched under T-Series in October 2018, showcased a fusion of pop and hip-hop influences, earning acclaim on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart and securing the Best Album Award at the 2019 Brit Asia TV Music Awards. Subsequently, he continued to release tracks independently under his own label, solidifying his position as a dynamic force in the music industry.

Acting

Moose Wala stepped into Punjabi cinema with his debut film “Yes I Am Student,” produced under his own banner, Jatt Life Studios. Directed by Tarnvir Singh Jagpal and penned by Gill Raunta, the film marked his entry into the world of filmmaking. In 2019, he appeared in “Teri Meri Jodi,” further showcasing his versatility on the silver screen.

Expanding his cinematic portfolio, Moose Wala announced “Gunah” in June 2020, signaling his continued commitment to the film industry. Teasing fans with what’s to come, he released the teaser for his upcoming movie “Moosa Jatt” on August 22, 2021, featuring Sweetaj Brar and helmed by Tru Makers. Shortly after, on August 24, 2021, he unveiled his next project, “Jattan Da Munda Gaun Lagya,” directed by Amberdeep Singh, scheduled for release on March 18, 2022.

Personal life

Moose Wala’s connection to his hometown of Moosa ran deep, drawing fans to visit him there. His bond with his grandmother was particularly strong; he honored her wish by maintaining his hair, a significant practice in Sikhism, especially poignant as his father couldn’t do so due to an accident.

A notable aspect of Moose Wala’s career was his rivalry with Karan Aujla, played out through music, social media, and live performances. Both artists engaged in a back-and-forth exchange, with some of their songs drawing criticism for promoting violence. According to an interview with their mutual colleague Elly Mangat, the feud sparked when Moose Wala’s video targeting Aujla was leaked, leading to threats from Aujla’s management. This escalated tensions, leading to public exchanges on social media.

While the rivalry simmered temporarily, Aujla reignited it with the release of “Lafaafe,” prompting Moose Wala’s response with “Warning Shots.” In an interview, Aujla clarified that he didn’t write “Lafaafe” and refrained from divulging details about their rivalry, instead acknowledging Moose Wala’s talent. Following Moose Wala’s tragic passing, Aujla paid homage with the heartfelt track “Maa,” signifying a moment of reflection and reconciliation amidst their contentious history.

Legal Issues & Controversies

At the time of his passing, Moose Wala was contending with legal charges related to the promotion of gun culture and violence, including allegations involving obscene content.

In May 2020, the circulation of two viral videos on social media intensified the legal scrutiny surrounding Moose Wala. One depicted him receiving training with an AK-47 from police personnel, while the other showed him handling a personal firearm. Consequently, the six officers involved faced suspension, and on May 19, Moose Wala was booked under two sections of the Arms Act. Subsequently, police raids aimed at apprehending him ensued, prompting Moose Wala to evade arrest.

Despite attempts to secure anticipatory bail, the Barnala District Court rejected Moose Wala’s plea on June 2, 2020, alongside those of five implicated officers. Meanwhile, on June 6, 2020, Moose Wala was fined by police in Nabha for illegally tinted car windows, yet he managed to depart without arrest by erroneously claiming to be out on bail. Eventually, Moose Wala engaged with the police investigation, securing regular bail in July. During this period, he released a single titled “Sanju,” drawing comparisons to actor Sanjay Dutt’s legal troubles under the Arms Act. However, the song faced criticism from Indian sport shooter Avneet Sidhu for its perceived promotion of gun culture, leading to a case being filed against Moose Wala for its release.

In response, Moose Wala alleged targeted persecution by certain news outlets and legal entities in an interview, underscoring the contentious nature of his legal battles and the public scrutiny surrounding his artistic expression.

Politics

Moose Wala took an active role in supporting his mother, Charan Kaur, during her successful bid for the sarpanch position in Moosa in December 2018. However, his own political aspirations took shape when he joined the INC on December 3, 2021, to contest the 2022 Punjab Legislative Assembly election. Despite his efforts, Moose Wala faced opposition from Nazar Singh Manshahia, the INC assemblyman from Mansa.

In the electoral race, Moose Wala garnered only 20.52% of the votes in the Mansa constituency, ultimately losing to the Aam Aadmi Party’s Vijay Singla by a significant margin of 63,323 votes. Additionally, Moose Wala encountered legal issues during the campaign, with a case filed against him under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code for breaching the election code of conduct by conducting door-to-door campaigning in Mansa after the designated deadline.

Reflecting on his electoral defeat, Moose Wala released a song titled “Scapegoat” on April 11, 2022, wherein he expressed his disappointment. However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the song, alleging that Moose Wala implied that the voters of Punjab were traitors for electing the AAP. They further accused Moose Wala of perpetuating the INC’s “anti-Punjab” stance and demanded clarification from the party’s state unit president, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, regarding his stance on Moose Wala’s sentiments.

Death

Moose Wala met his untimely demise on May 29, 2022, when unidentified assailants ambushed his car in Jawaharke village, Mansa. Police initially suspected Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang, although Bishnoi denied involvement. However, he was held by Punjab Police in June 2022, deemed the alleged mastermind by authorities.

The fatal attack occurred around 5:10 pm as Moose Wala, accompanied by his cousin and neighbor, was en route to his aunt’s house in Barnala. Two cars intercepted and blocked Moose Wala’s SUV at around 5:30 pm in Jawaharke. A fierce shootout ensued, resulting in Moose Wala’s demise and injuries to two others. Despite returning fire, Moose Wala succumbed to his injuries upon reaching the civil hospital in Mansa.

Interestingly, Moose Wala’s police security had been reduced the day before, leaving him with only two commandos instead of four, coinciding with Operation Blue Star’s anniversary. Additionally, he traveled in his private car with two others rather than his bullet-proof vehicle with security, as his vehicle couldn’t accommodate all passengers according to friends.

After Effects

According to police, Moose Wala was allegedly killed in retaliation for the murder of Akali leader Vicky Middukhera in 2021. The Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility, linking Moose Wala’s aide to Middukhera’s death, though there’s no legal evidence. Canadian gangster Satinder Singh, associated with Bishnoi, also claimed responsibility, citing a “Punjab module.” Punjab Police confirmed Bishnoi’s involvement.

Moose Wala had been receiving death threats for extortion, confirmed by his father and singer Mika Singh. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the murder, ordering an investigation into the reduced security prior to the incident. Celebrities mourned Moose Wala’s death.

Police found AN-94 rifle and pistol bullets at the crime scene and detained six suspects in Uttarakhand. One suspect was arrested near Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib. INC staged a protest blaming the AAP-led Punjab government for reducing Moose Wala’s security.

Moose Wala’s autopsy revealed 19 bullet wounds, leading to his demise within 15 minutes. His cremation took place on May 31 in his ancestral village, followed by a bhog ceremony on June 8 in Mansa. Ankit Sirsa was arrested by Delhi police on July 3 as a suspected shooter. Manpreet Mannu and Jagrup Rupa, also suspected, were killed by Punjab Police on July 20. Deepak Mundi, the last absconding shooter, was reportedly arrested on September 11.

Legacy & Remembrance

• Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on June 3, 2022, plans for a cancer hospital and sports stadium in memory of Moose Wala.
• The Brampton city council in Canada decided on June 8, 2022, to commission a mural and plant a tree in Moose Wala’s honor. The mural was completed in June 2023.
• A turban-tying competition was held in Amritsar in June 2022 by the Shri Guru Ram Dass welfare society in honor of Moose Wala, a turban-wearing Sikh.
• Punjabi singer Prem Dhillon released “Ain’t Died in Vain,” a tribute to Moose Wala, on June 16, 2022. Moose Wala received a tribute on his 29th birthday with his songs played on billboards in Times Square, New York City.
• Garry Sandhu dedicated the tribute song “Jigar Da Tota” to Moose Wala.
• Two murals were created in California on June 5, 2022, in honor of Moose Wala. Rapper Bohemia visited and was moved to tears by the emotional tribute.
• On June 17, 2022, Canadian rapper Drake played Moose Wala’s singles “295” & “G-Shit” on his radio show Table for One on Sound42. He later launched a t-shirt collection in Moose Wala’s honor, wearing one at a concert in Canada on July 28.
• Punjabi Virsa, a literary society based in Pakistan, honored Moose Wala with the Waris Shah International Award on July 25, 2022.
• In November 2022, Nigerian artist Burna Boy met Moose Wala’s parents, offering condolences and presenting them with a crystal portrait of their son. Burna had previously paid tribute to Moose Wala on stage.
• Former Brown Boys member Sunny Malton released “Letter to Sidhu,” a tribute song, in November 2022.
• Moose Wala’s third posthumous release, “Mera Na,” featuring Burna Boy and Steel Banglez, was unveiled in April 2023, ahead of the one-year anniversary of his passing.
• British rapper Tion Wayne paid tribute to Moose Wala with the song “Healing” released in May 2023, featuring Moose Wala’s father, his tractor, and his village of Moosa.

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