NEW DELHI – Indian police are investigating the murder of a popular Punjabi rapper, who combines hip-hop, rap and folk music, one day after the deadly shooting, authorities said Monday.
Shubhidip Singh Sidhu, known worldwide by his stage name Sidhu Moose Wala, was killed Sunday night while driving in Mansa district of Punjab state in northern India. It was announced that 28-year-old Muş Vala was taken to the hospital where he was taken and died there.
Punjab State Police Chief VK Bhawra said the initial investigation determined the murder was a gang rivalry.
According to local media, the day before the attack, the Punjab government fired more than 400 security guards, including Mus Vala, to curtail VIP culture.
Moose Wala began writing songs before accelerating in 2017, making him famous in the Indian and Punjabi diaspora in countries like the UK and Canada.
Although most of the songs are sung in Punjabi, most of their singles have English titles. Brilliant music videos were best known for their rap lyrics and often focused on macho culture. Her debut album in 2018 hit the Canadian Billboard album chart.
Moose Wala was a controversial figure, partly due to his lyrical style. In 2020, police accused him of one of his songs promoting gun culture under the Indian gun law.
His latest song “The Last Ride” was released earlier this month.
The rapper joined the Indian Congress Party last year and ran unsuccessfully for the State Assembly.
Punjab Prime Minister Bhagwant Mann said “no criminals will be distributed” and that he is deeply shocked and saddened by the murder.
Senior Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to express his regret over the assassination.
“Deeply shocked and saddened by the murder of an aspiring congressional leader and talented artist,” he said.
Source: Washington Post
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
