Millions of tributes from around the world continue to pour in for Sidhu Moose Wala.

Moose Wala 28-years old, was an iconic rapper/singer turned politician who was gunned down in India on Sunday, May 29th. The brazen attack unfolded in broad daylight according to witnesses. He was laid to rest in the small village of Musa – in the Mansa district of India where he was born.

Moose Wala’s parents are seen crying at the funeral for their only son [below]. Thousands of people gathered in the village to pay their respects to the slain artist who was later cremated.

On Sunday, the singer was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Police say the two men who were traveling with him were also shot but injured and remain in a local hospital.

The Punjabi artist was born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu. He used the moniker Sidhu Moose (the one from Musa) Wala, to pay homage and remind fans where he was originally from.

Sidhu Moose Wala moved to Canada as an international student. Before moving to Brampton (a suburb of Toronto), Ontario in 2016 after graduating from Humber College. Family, friends and fans were in awe of his ambition. Many posted online this past week, how they resonated with the music star. Thousands of tributes poured in online, stating how they respected him for moving to a big city, completing his education and successfully starting to fulfill his dreams – all by the age of 28.

Many who knew Moosa Wala personally said he was dedicated to everything he believed in. He was focused on what was important to him – his education, his parents, his music career and his political beliefs. But most of all, he was endeared to and appreciated his loyal fans. He began his music career in Brampton. In his short years, he had amassed quite a following not only in Canada, and the U.S. but across the countries of, India, Pakistan and internationally. He had recently moved back to India to pursue his political goals and to be near his parents, sources say.

He burst onto the music scene by becoming a successful songwriter first for other artists.

Later, he would be lyrically writing for himself. He rapped about his life in India and living in Canada. However, it was his talented combination of writing, rapping and singing about Punjabi politics, and humanity that attracted worldwide followers. He rapped about living in danger, but not living in fear when singing about politics. He may have even prophesied his own early demise similar to American rapper Tupac Shakur, whom he looked up to.

For example, the lyrics in his song ‘Legend’ and translated from Punjabi to English say:  “Ho Unlimited Challde Aa Vair Ni,Ho Unlimited Challde Aa Vair Ni, I Have Conflicts With Countless Number Of People. Limited Count Ne Breath De, But My Breaths Are Very Limited. Main Duniya De Opposite Challda, I Do Things Oppositely Compare To The Rest Of The World.
Te Parallel Challda Aa Death De, While I Walk Parallel To Death.”

These words are eerily familiar to many of us who grew up in the time of rapper Tupac Shakur.

Shakur also poetically rapped about politics and foreshadowed the end of his life in a song called ‘I Ain’t Mad At Cha’. Similarly, Moose Wala compared himself to his idol Shakur for being outspoken and championing causes, giving a voice to the people.

Another twist of fate for the Punjabi rapper was his most recent song released and was called ‘Last Ride.’ It featured Shakur’s bullet-ridden car as the cover art.

Here are some of Moose Wala’s highlights:

-He exploded onto the music scene back in 2017 with the release of his own song, ‘So High’ which has garnered to date over 493 million views on Youtube.

-The song ‘295’ has also done exceptionally well gaining over 145 million views alone.

-Anthem Song ‘Legend’ has over 135 million views

-Music/video discography boasts almost a billion views on Youtube.

-Social Media followers are also in the millions.

In 2019, adding to his star power, Sidhu collaborated with international UK artists Mist, Stefflon Don & Steel Banglez on the title track ‘47’.

They performed that hit song at the BAMA (BritAsia music awards celebrating South Asian Music) in 2019 where Sidhu also won 4 awards. Making him the biggest music award winner of that night. From the United Kingdom, rappers Mist and Stefflon Don also posted tributes on their Instagram.

Fellow Canadian-international rap artist, Drake followed Moose Wala on his social media. He paid tribute on his Instagram, showing a picture of the late singer with his mother captioned beside it ‘RIP Moose’. Other Canadian artists including Singer, The Weeknd, Lily Singh, a former late-night TV host and many more celebrities also posted tributes.

What we know so far about his murder:

-An autopsy report concluded that he was shot 24 times.

-Police reported that 30 bullets from an assault rifle were found scattered in and around the car.

-Witnesses say, it was at least two cars, one blocking Moose Wala’s car when gunmen opened fire from the other vehicle.

-Witnesses also say, Moose Wala’s car was locked from the inside, and they had to break the windows to get to him.

-Moose Wala security’s team was only 2 men. He had another two guys who did not accommodate him.

CCTV Footage:

Therefore, many of his fans are in an uproar about his security team being scaled back according to many online media posts.

Other political parties have accused the Punjabi state ruling government AAP (Aam Admi Party) of removing Moose Wala’s security detail allowing for the attack. They claim the AAP of applying the ‘less VIP’ treatment to many people, mostly politicians and including Sidhu Moosa Wala. Recently the AAP had been cracking down on reducing police security for over 400 people. Sidhu Moosa Wala had only two security men with him and another two are said to have been on detail but didn’t accompany him.

That said, Indian police are still investigating but are laying blame on a gang rivalry from Canada. Coincidently, a gang member from Toronto took to his Facebook to allegedly take responsibility for the attack.

Thousands in the village of Musa, and from around the world continue to mourn. The locals say he is now a legend. He will always be remembered for his dedication to his community locally and abroad and his music.

Published by Holr Magazine