Simar Doraha, born Mansimar Singh Bajwa on 2 July 1992 in Doraha, Ludhiana, is a Punjabi singer, lyricist and poet whose pen came before his microphone. A commerce graduate of SCD Government College with a master’s in psychology from Panjab University, he debuted as a lyricist in 2017 with “Kade Kade” and wrote fan favourites including “Gal Kar Ke Vekhi”, “Rum Te Rajaai”, “Mitraa”, “Munda Sohna Jeha”, “Battle” and Ammy Virk’s “Regret”. His singing debut “Sharaabi” (2020) launched a parallel career that produced hits like “Ranjha”, “Tenu Chete Karda”, “Pehle Wale”, “Boycott”, “Shawl” and “Biography” with MixSingh, plus his debut album XL (Extra Large) in 2021. With poetry-first writing and a soulful, rustic voice, Simar Doraha has become one of Punjab’s most respected young artist-writers.

Shinda Kahlon, born Satinderpal Singh Kahlon in Dujowal village near Ajnala, Amritsar, is the Indo-Canadian rapper, singer and master lyricist behind the Punjabi wave’s biggest anthems. After studying business management at Camosun College in British Columbia, he co-founded Run-Up Records in 2019 with AP Dhillon, Gurinder Gill and Gminxr, writing AP’s debut “Fake” and then penning and performing on “Brown Munde”, “Majhail”, “Excuses”, “Insane”, “Desires”, “Saada Pyaar” and “War” – songs that topped UK Asian and Punjabi charts and gathered billions of combined streams. His pen shaped tender romance and hard-edged swagger with equal ease, and his verses remain instantly recognisable. Featured in Prime Video’s AP Dhillon: First of a Kind and on later releases like “Real Talk”, Shinda Kahlon is the wordsmith-performer of his generation.

Gurinder Gill, born Gurinderbir Singh Gill in 1996 in Amritsar, Punjab, is an Indo-Canadian singer-rapper and a founding member of Run-Up Records alongside AP Dhillon, Shinda Kahlon and producer Gminxr. After moving to Victoria, British Columbia, he debuted in 2019 with “Faraar” and delivered an astonishing 2020: “Droptop”, chart-topper “Majhail”, the smash “Excuses” – now past 600 million Spotify streams – and the era-defining “Brown Munde”, which ruled the UK Punjabi chart for months and has crossed 700 million YouTube views. The EP Not By Chance (2020), the album Hidden Gems (2021) and hits like “Insane” and “Tere Te” followed, alongside sold-out UK and India tours and the Prime Video docuseries AP Dhillon: First of a Kind. Now pushing his solo era, Gurinder’s deep, moody voice remains unmistakable.

Sunny Malton, born Sandeep Singh Sidhu on 15 November 1989 in Toronto, is a Canadian rapper-singer from Malton, Mississauga, and one of the foundational figures of the modern Punjabi hip-hop wave. Rapping since 2008, he co-founded the Brown Boys collective and later TPM Records, and his voice opened Sidhu Moose Wala’s era-defining “So High” (2017) with the immortal “Imma Imma Brown Boy” hook. He rose further with “Issa Jatt” and featured on classics like “Just Listen”, “B-Town”, “East Side Flow”, “Chosen” and “Never Fold”. His final collaboration with Sidhu, “Levels” (2022), reached No. 32 on Billboard’s Canadian Hot 100, and later tributes “Letter to Sidhu” and “Signs” moved millions. With Diljit Dosanjh’s “God Bless” among recent credits, Sunny Malton remains Punjabi rap royalty on stage.

Shooter Kahlon, born Sukhan Singh Kahlon in Kahlon village, Nawanshahr (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar), Punjab, is a singer-lyricist who rose as one of the standout voices from Sidhu Moose Wala’s 5911 Records. A Chandigarh University graduate, he entered the industry in 2020 by writing and singing “Galaaman” from the film Shooter, then released “Full Flame” featuring Sidhu Moose Wala. His defining moment came with “Game” (September 2020) – the launch track of 5911 Records – which topped YouTube trending, crossed 140+ million views and even entered Billboard’s Canadian Hot 100, a rare feat for a debutant. He followed with “Satisfy” alongside Sidhu, plus “Skookum”, “Touchwood”, “Dear Mama 2” and “Taur Tappa”. With heartfelt writing and street-smart delivery, Shooter Kahlon carries forward the 5911 legacy on stage.

NseeB, born Bikramdeep Singh Dhaliwal in Punjab, is a Vancouver-based Punjabi rapper regarded as one of the most authentic hip-hop voices in the new Punjabi wave. Moving to Canada at eighteen, he studied business management in British Columbia while grinding out verses daily. His breakthrough came with a fiery rap on “Old Skool” (2020) alongside Sidhu Moose Wala and Prem Dhillon – a track that has crossed 150 million YouTube views. That year he released his debut album Welcome to the Revolution, followed by the acclaimed EP Say My Name (2021) with Grammy-linked producer Ikky, covered by Complex, and the album Grit 2 Glory (2023). Known for tracks like “Stacks”, “My Talk”, “Paranda” and “Akaal”, NseeB champions hard work and spirituality over party clichés, earning respect across Punjab and the diaspora.

Armaan Bedil is a Punjabi singer and lyricist from Badrukhan village in Sangrur, Punjab, celebrated for an emotional voice that has made him the go-to artist for heart-touching romantic and sad songs. The son of noted songwriter Bachan Bedil, he grew up surrounded by poetry and Kavishri, giving his first big stage performance at the Professor Mohan Singh Mela in Ludhiana. A commerce graduate of Panjab University, Chandigarh, he shot to fame with his 2016 debut “Laavan” on Speed Records, which gathered tens of millions of YouTube views. He followed it with hits such as “Ronda Ronda”, “Main Vichara”, “Angreji Gallan”, “Jatt Jaan Vaarda”, “Chunni”, “Stupid” and “Tutte Dil Wala”. Consistent releases, popular covers and energetic live shows have earned Armaan a deeply loyal fanbase across Punjab and the diaspora.

Ezu is a British Asian singer, songwriter and producer whose smooth blend of early-2000s R&B with Punjabi, Hindi and English vocals has made him one of the UK scene’s most distinctive voices. Singing since the age of four and entirely self-taught, he first built a global following with viral mashup covers such as “Kisi Aur Naal” and “Humraah x Savage Love”, before original releases like his debut single “Jaaniya” showcased his songwriting. Associated with the legendary UK label VIP Records, he released his debut album Arrival in 2019, featuring The PropheC, Ikka, Raxstar, Fateh, Jenny Johal and Amar Sandhu, and followed with popular tracks such as “Mann Di Nahi” with Navaan Sandhu. Influenced by Usher and Jay Sean, Ezu’s silky vocals and modern production give his live sets true crossover appeal.

Fateh, born Fateh Singh on 19 October 1986 in Bangkok, Thailand, to Punjabi Sikh parents from Jalandhar, is a Toronto-based Indo-Canadian rapper, singer and songwriter known professionally as Fateh Doe. Raised in Hayward, California, he absorbed Bay Area hip-hop before moving to Toronto, where he fused English rap with fluent Punjabi. After early mixtapes like California State of Mind, One Verse Curse and Mr Wall Street, his career took off in 2012 when producer Dr Zeus discovered him. He voiced the Bollywood hit “Lovely” in Happy New Year (2014), released his debut single “Naiyo Jaan De” and the album Bring It Home (2016), followed by To Whom It May Concern (2018) and Goes Without Saying (2020). Collaborations with Amrinder Gill, Jaz Dhami, The PropheC and Gippy Grewal cement his crossover appeal.

Zack Knight, born on 22 November 1991 in Grimsby, England, is a British singer, songwriter and producer known for his infectious blend of R&B, pop and Bollywood-flavoured sound. Of Pakistani-Punjabi and Afro-Asian heritage, he sings across English, Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi, and produces much of his own music. Formerly known as Zeekay, he wrote for artists like Tinie Tempah and Ginuwine before launching his solo career. His 2017 smash “Bom Diggy” with Jasmin Walia became a global phenomenon, crossing well over a billion YouTube views and featuring (as “Bom Diggy Diggy”) in the Bollywood film “Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety.” Other hits include “Galtiyan,” “Nakhre,” “Rula Diya,” “Ya Baba” and “Dirty Little Secret” with Nora Fatehi. Zack Knight is one of the most-streamed British-Asian crossover artists worldwide.

Raxstar, born on 21 November 1983 in Luton, England, is one of the most respected artists in Desi hip-hop — a British-Punjabi Sikh rapper and singer known for relatable, introspective lyricism. He broke through in 2005 with “Keep It Undercover,” produced with Sunit, earning BBC Radio 1 and Asian Network airplay for its honest take on young love and family expectations. He built a devoted following with tracks like “Jaaneman,” “Ego,” “Poison” and “Balwant” (a women-empowerment anthem), and released his debut studio album “Glass Ceiling” in 2018. He has collaborated with Bohemia, Badshah, Raftaar, Manj Musik and Mumzy Stranger, and sang “Ankhiyaan” for the film “Do Lafzon Ki Kahani.” With a decade-plus of storytelling rap, Raxstar remains a pioneering voice of the British-Asian diaspora.

Mumzy Stranger, born Muhammad Mumith Ahmed on 18 January 1984 in East London, is a British singer, rapper, songwriter and producer and a leading figure in the UK urban-desi scene. Of Bangladeshi descent, he sings across English, Punjabi, Hindi, Bengali and Arabic, blending R&B, reggae, dancehall and South Asian sounds. Mentored by producer Rishi Rich, he broke through in 2009 with “One More Dance,” which topped the UK Asian charts, followed by “Showgirl” and “Fly With Me.” His debut album “Journey Begins” (2010) earned him Best Urban Act at the UK Asian Music Awards, and he is the first artist of Bangladeshi descent to enter the mainstream British music scene. With crowd-pleasing hits and a versatile, party-ready live show, Mumzy remains a favourite booking for weddings and concerts across the diaspora.

Juggy D, born Jagwinder Singh Dhaliwal on 19 November 1981 in Southall, London, is a pioneering British-Punjabi bhangra and urban-desi singer. Performing from age 14, he rose to fame in the early 2000s as part of the Rishi Rich Project alongside Jay Sean, whose single “Dance With You (Nachna Tere Naal)” reached No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart. His 2004 self-titled debut became the first Punjabi-language album to enter the UK national charts, featuring the wedding favourite “Sohniye.” Juggy D has appeared on crossover records connected to global stars and helped define the urban-desi genre by fusing bhangra with R&B and hip-hop. Recent releases include “UB1” and “Meri Ban Ja” with Jay Sean and Rishi Rich. He remains one of the UK’s most enduring and beloved Punjabi performers.

H-Dhami, born Hartinder Dhami on 1 June 1982 in London, is a British bhangra singer, songwriter and performer who blends traditional Punjabi folk with modern urban-desi sounds. The son of Palvinder Dhami, iconic lead vocalist of the 1980s bhangra band Heera, he grew up on stage — performing with the band from age six. He signed to Rishi Rich Productions in 2007 and broke out with the summer hit “Sadke Java,” followed by his acclaimed debut album of the same name (2008), one of the best-selling bhangra albums of its era. Beloved tracks include “Mitran Di Jaan,” “Har Gabroo” and “Tere Wargi.” He won Best Collaboration at the 2019 Brit Asia Awards for “Dance” (with Juggy D, Mumzy Stranger, Raxstar and F1rstman) and remains a top live bhangra draw.

Jaz Dhami, born Jaswinder Singh Dhami on 1 March 1986 in Birmingham, England, is a British-Indian singer, songwriter and music producer who fuses Punjabi bhangra and folk with pop, R&B and hip-hop. Son of Sangam bhangra vocalist Viccar Dhami, he trained in Indian classical music from age nine and later refined his craft in India. He shot to international fame with the 2012 party anthem “High Heels” featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh, which crossed 300 million YouTube views and made him a household name across the UK and India. Other hits include “Zulfa” (with Dr Zeus), “Beparwaiyan” and “Bas.” He is the only South Asian artist featured on BBC Music’s “God Only Knows,” and made his Bollywood playback debut in “Sanam Re.”

The PropheC, born Neal Chatha on 8 September 1991 in Calgary, Canada, is an Indo-Canadian singer, songwriter and producer celebrated for blending Punjabi folk with R&B, pop and hip-hop. Classically trained from age five, he began making beats in his basement as a teenager and broke out with 2011’s “Sohni” from his debut album “Forever.” Writing, producing and singing his own music through his label PropheC Productions, he has released acclaimed albums including “Futureproof,” “The Lifestyle,” “The Season,” “Solace” and “Midnight Paradise.” Signature songs like “Kina Chir,” “Dukh” (with Mickey Singh) and “Naina” have earned tens of millions of streams. He also produced and sang on Sidhu Moose Wala’s “Sohne Lagde.” A polished live performer, The PropheC has toured across North America, the UK, Europe and India.

Sultaan is a Punjabi rapper, singer and lyricist widely regarded as a pioneer of Punjabi trap music. Born in the Jalandhar district of Punjab and now based in Saskatchewan, Canada, he was inspired by American rap icons like Ice Cube and Nipsey Hussle before immigrating in 2013 and co-founding the influential Beeba Boys crew with OG Ghuman. He debuted with “Never Gonna Change” (2015) and rose with tracks like “Sanjay Dutt” and the TikTok-viral “Bottles” (Clutch Balliye). His albums include “I Am The Future,” “Back From The Dead” and multiple EPs, featuring gritty, West Coast-influenced production and hard-hitting lyricism. Known for socially conscious themes – including strong support for Punjab’s farmers – Sultaan has built a devoted global following and remains one of the rawest, most original voices in Punjabi hip-hop, in a lineage that traces back to pioneers like Bohemia.

Amar Sehmbi is a Punjabi singer from Shimlapuri, Ludhiana, born 8 March 1998, best known for winning “Voice of Punjab Season 7.” Trained at the Tejwant Kittu Music Academy, he won state-level Shabad Gayan competitions three years running before turning professional. After early recognition he built a steady run of hits including “Debate,” “Sikandar,” “Khandani Bande,” “Chief Guest,” “Gold Di Jutti” and “Waaka.” Known for a soulful, versatile voice that moves between romantic melodies and folk-rooted anthems, he frequently collaborates with artists like Jasmeen Akhtar and popular labels such as Jass Records. With a large, loyal following on Instagram and YouTube, Amar Sehmbi has become a dependable live performer and one of the most relatable rising voices in contemporary Punjabi music.

Ikky, born Ikwinder Singh Sahota in Toronto (2000), is a Canadian record producer, songwriter and artist widely credited with pushing Punjabi music onto the global stage. Growing up between Toronto’s hip-hop scene and his family’s Punjabi roots, he fused booming 808s with Punjabi melodies. He produced era-defining hits including Amrit Maan & Sidhu Moose Wala’s “Bambiha Bole,” Garry Sandhu’s “Yeah Baby,” Gurnam Bhullar’s “Diamond” and Diljit Dosanjh & Tory Lanez’s “Chauffeur.” His EP “Four You” with Karan Aujla peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart, and singles like “Baller” and “Chauffeur” hit the Canadian Hot 100. Founder of 4N Records and creative director of Warner’s 91 North Records, Ikky has amassed billions of global streams and remains a true bridge between cultures.