Author:  Bhawna Kapoor (Analytics Expert)

Last Updated: October 28, 2025

Sidhu Moose Wala biography

Sidhu Moose Wala (Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu) is a name that became synonymous with modern Punjabi music and youth culture across the globe. Born and raised in a humble farming family, he evolved into one of India’s most influential singers, lyricists, and cultural icons. His journey from the village of Moosa to the world stage is not just the story of a musical innovator, but also a tale of determination, resilience, and creative power.​

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Early Life and Family Background

Sidhu Moose Wala was born as Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu on June 11, 1993, in Moosa, a village in Punjab’s Mansa district. He hailed from a Jat Sikh family, with his father Balkaur Singh being a farmer and retired government employee and his mother Charan Kaur later becoming the village sarpanch.​

Right from his school days, Sidhu showed a unique blend of technical and creative interests. He began singing folk songs in the fifth grade, drawing inspiration from folk traditions and major global icons like Tupac Shakur. The nickname “Moose Wala” was chosen in honor of his native village, meaning “Sidhu from Moosa” in Punjabi.​

Education and Early Influences

Sidhu Moose Wala attended Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College in Ludhiana, earning a degree in electrical engineering in 2016. While he excelled academically, music remained his true passion. During his college years, he started getting formal training under Harvinder Bittu in Ludhiana and developed a keen liking for hip-hop.​​

After graduating, Sidhu moved to Brampton, Ontario, Canada, as an international student, studying further at Humber College and immersing himself in the rich multicultural music scene of North America. These experiences shaped both his artistry and worldview, ultimately giving rise to his distinctive style—fusing Western hip-hop with Punjabi music.​

The Beginning: Lyricist to Singer

Sidhu Moose Wala began his career as a lyricist, crafting lyrics for the 2016 song "License" by Ninja. He quickly garnered attention for his raw, street-level storytelling and authenticity, features that would become hallmarks of his later work.​

Encouraged by the positive response, Moose Wala transitioned to performing, releasing his debut track "G Wagon" (2017). The song set the stage for what would soon become a meteoric rise in the Punjabi music scene.

Breakthrough and Rising Fame

Sidhu Moose Wala gained mainstream fame and a loyal global following with his song "So High," produced by Byg Byrd in 2017. The track’s gritty lyricism, bravado, and cultural pride resonated with youth, propelling it to millions of YouTube streams within days.​

Following "So High," Moose Wala released a series of hits—"Issa Jatt," "Tochan," "Selfmade," and "Famous." These singles blended gangster rap with Punjabi folk, introducing new lyrical aggression and honesty into the genre. His music often drew from his life and community, intertwining stories of struggle, identity, and ambition.​

Albums, Chart Success, and Global Recognition

In 2018, Sidhu Moose Wala released his debut album PBX 1, which debuted at number 66 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. Songs like "Bad Fellow," "Dollar," and "Selfmade" became instant anthems. Notably, he was among the first Indian singers to break into the UK Singles Chart, especially with “47” and “Mera Na.”

Moose Wala continued to chart globally with tracks including "Bambiha Bole", which reached the Top 5 on YouTube’s global music chart. In 2021, the release of the Moosetape album solidified his place among the musical elite: its tracks entered Billboard's Global 200, Global Excl. US, UK Asian Music Chart, and more. Moosetape achieved over 1 billion streams on Spotify, with Moose Wala holding the record for most #1 singles on Billboard India Songs.​

Collaborations, Innovation, and Industry Impact

Sidhu Moose Wala’s music was notable for frequent collaborations with producers like Byg Byrd, The Kidd, and Intense, as well as with vocalists such as Gurlez Akhtar and Jenny Johal. His songs often included social commentary, stories of diaspora, and expressions of cultural pride, making him a revered figure for Punjabi youth worldwide.

Beyond music, Moose Wala even made a mark in Punjabi cinema and briefly entered politics, joining the Indian National Congress party in 2021.​

Themes and Legacy

Much of Sidhu Moose Wala’s success can be attributed to his ability to address taboo topics—violence, identity, social status, and aspiration—without filter. His lyrics reference local customs, contemporary issues, and global influencers, fostering dialogue and sometimes sparking controversy. His records continue to inspire the next generation of artists and fans.​

Why Sidhu Moose Wala’s Story Endures

Sidhu Moose Wala’s impact extends far beyond charts. He remains a role model to aspiring musicians, an emblem of cultural confidence, and a pioneering bridge between folk roots and contemporary beats. His life story, detailed above, offers lessons in resilience and creative authenticity for readers everywhere.

Every album, from PBX 1 to Moosetape, solidified his influence as he became one of few Indian musicians to find global acclaim while staying deeply connected to his Punjabi roots.​

FAQ

Q1: What is Sidhu Moose Wala’s real name and birthplace?
A: His birth name is Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, born in Moosa, Mansa, Punjab, India.​

Q2: What is the origin of his stage name Sidhu Moose Wala?
A: “Moose Wala” comes from his hometown, Moosa; it literally means “Sidhu from Moosa”.​

Q3: What made Sidhu Moose Wala so influential?
A: His bold lyricism, blending of hip-hop and Punjabi traditions, and relatable storytelling created new standards in Indian music.​

Q4: What are his most popular albums and songs?
A: Major albums: PBX 1, Moosetape; iconic songs: "So High," "Bambiha Bole," "Issa Jatt," "Tochan," "47," and "Mera Na".​

Q5: What was Sidhu Moose Wala’s educational background?
A: He earned a degree in electrical engineering from Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana.​

Conclusion

Sidhu Moose Wala’s biography is proof of how creative conviction and cultural roots can transform a village boy into a global star. From his early life in Moosa to worldwide stardom, he turned obstacles into opportunities, inspiring millions along the way. His music and life story are etched into Punjabi—and global—musical history as a symbol of talent, struggle, and hope.