The Killing Call, Ep 1: Sidhu Moose Wala and the Murder that Shook India - BBC World Service Docs

Key Concepts:

• Sidhu Moose Wala: Punjabi singer and rapper known for his controversial lyrics and fusion of hip-hop and Punjabi folk music.
• Pind: Rural areas of Punjab.
• Brampton: City in Canada known as the de facto capital of Punjabi music from the diaspora.
• Byg Byrd: Canadian music producer who helped Sidhu Moose Wala achieve international recognition.
• Panjab University: A power center in Punjab known for its student politics.
• Vicky Middukhera: Charismatic student leader at Panjab University with connections to gangs.
• Lawrence Bishnoi: Gangster who rose through student politics at Panjab University and later became involved in organized crime.
• Goldy Brar: Canada-based gangster who claimed responsibility for ordering the hit on Sidhu Moose Wala.
• Extortion: Practice used by Punjabi gangs to obtain money or song rights from singers and musicians.

1. Sidhu Moose Wala's Rise to Fame:

• Sidhu Moose Wala gained popularity for his bad boy image, lyrical skills, and unique fusion of hip-hop and Punjabi folk music.
• He broke through the Western world barrier, contributing to the growth of Punjabi music globally.
• His songs often addressed life in the pind and the culture of power in India, making him a modern-day poet and revolutionary.
• He became fearless in speaking truth to power, addressing topics that others in Punjab were afraid to discuss.
• Sidhu's career took off after collaborating with producer Byg Byrd, with their first song "So High" becoming a hit in Canada, the UK, and India.
• His performances were energetic and captivating, drawing large crowds and creating a frenzy among fans.

2. Early Life and Influences:

• Sidhu Moose Wala, born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, came from a backward village and worked hard to achieve success.
• He was passionate about music from a young age, singing vaar (Punjabi folk songs) in school and folk song competitions.
• An incident where a songwriter humiliated him in the rain motivated him to write his own songs.
• He created the character of Sidhu Moose Wala, carrying himself with a distinct attitude and swag.
• He moved to Canada to pursue an education, where he connected with other Punjabi artists and began writing and singing songs.

3. Management Issues and Extortion:

• As Sidhu's fame grew, his social circle expanded, and he was often accompanied by a large entourage.
• Cracks began to appear in his relationship with his managers, Kanwar and Jyoti, due to financial issues.
• His family accused the managers of wrongfully taking his money, leading to a split and leaving Sidhu exposed.
• Sidhu started receiving threat calls in 2018, as mentioned in his song "East Side Flow."
• Punjabi gangs operating in Canada began extorting singers for money or song rights.
• Sidhu was pressured to do a music video for someone, but he never revealed who was behind the request.
• A gangster revealed that the first call is never a threat, but if the singer doesn't comply, they resort to violence.

4. Hip-Hop Influence and Gangster Image:

• Sidhu Moose Wala was heavily influenced by hip-hop culture, particularly American hip-hop, which often features violent themes.
• He incorporated gangster elements into his music videos, portraying machismo and bravado, which drew criticism.
• He drew inspiration from artists like Tupac Shakur, who was known for speaking his mind and addressing social issues.
• Sidhu expressed a desire to be remembered after his death, similar to Tupac, and wrote lines about living and dying by the gun.
• His roleplaying as a gangster in an industry with real gangsters made him vulnerable to real threats.

5. Panjab University Concert and Student Politics:

• Sidhu Moose Wala gave his first live performance in India at Panjab University in 2018, drawing a massive crowd.
• A professor protested against his performance, arguing that his songs glorified guns and violence, harming Punjab's culture.
• Sidhu defended his music, stating that he would stop singing about guns when they were banned.
• Panjab University is a power center in Punjab, serving as a training ground for politicians.
• Student politics at the university often involve intimidation and thuggery to gain power.
• Vicky Middukhera, a charismatic student leader with connections to gangs, was influential at Panjab University.
• Lawrence Bishnoi, who later became a gangster, was brought into politics by Vicky Middukhera.

6. Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar:

• Lawrence Bishnoi and Vicky Middukhera were close, but Lawrence later went his own way and became involved in crime.
• Goldy Brar, a Canada-based gangster, is believed to have been involved in several incidents with Lawrence Bishnoi and other gangs.
• Lawrence Bishnoi started getting into crime in early 2011-12, eventually forming his own group.
• While Lawrence Bishnoi is in jail, Goldy Brar handles the gang from abroad and claimed responsibility for ordering Sidhu's killing.
• Goldy Brar revealed that Lawrence Bishnoi had called Sidhu from jail and that Sidhu had said he would die by bullets.

7. Conclusion:

Sidhu Moose Wala's story is a complex mix of musical talent, cultural influences, and the dangerous realities of the Punjabi music industry. His rise to fame was meteoric, but it also made him a target for extortion and violence. His death has left a void in the Punjabi music scene and raised questions about the influence of gangsters in the industry. The investigation into his murder continues, with Goldy Brar being a key figure in uncovering the truth behind the killing.