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