In an unprecedented fusion of American politics and Punjabi beats, the inauguration of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani transformed a subway station into a vibrant dance floor. The unlikely soundtrack was ‘Gaddi Red Challenger’ by Toronto-based Sikh artist Babbu Singh, popularly known as Babbulicious, creating a moment that instantly captured the internet's imagination.
A Surreal Celebration of Diasporic Identity
The ceremony, attended by hundreds including Mamdani's wife Rama Duwaji and US Senator Bernie Sanders, evolved into a spontaneous celebration of multiculturalism. For Babbulicious—a turbaned singer, comedian, and designer—the sight of political figures engaging with his music was profound. "Zohran sang along, and the sight of Bernie Sanders clapping and vibing to a Punjabi song was surreal," he recounted in an email interview.
Mamdani's team discovered the track on social media, leading to a customized version for the event. Singh adapted the lyrics to "New York vich munda renda" to mirror the mayor's own multicultural identity. However, the celebratory act also ignited predictable backlash from far-right commentators, who criticized the use of non-Western music and misidentified Singh's Sikh faith. The artist responded with calm defiance, advocating for ignoring such bias and continuing forward.
The Unconventional Artist Behind the Viral Beat
Babbulicious, born Babbu Singh and raised in Brampton's Punjabi community in Toronto, has carved a uniquely creative path. Dropping out of art college at 19, he built a multifaceted career encompassing influencer skits, visual art, a puppet series, children's books, and charting music. His work is deeply personal, aiming to connect with his younger self. "All my art, in one way or another, is about creating things that would have made me feel seen, valued," he explains.
A significant part of his creative mission involves challenging stereotypes about Sikh identity through humor, notably via his popular ‘Khalsa Uncle’ skits. He emphasizes the power of representation, citing the impact of seeing Waris Ahluwalia in Wes Anderson films during his youth. Meeting Ahluwalia at the inauguration was a full-circle moment, reinforcing the belief that visibility enables aspiration.
Punjabi Pop's March to the Global Mainstream
This subway-station bhangra moment is not an isolated incident but signals a broader cultural shift. Toronto's diasporic energy is propelling Punjabi music onto the world stage, a trend now being formally recognized. In a reflection of this cultural impact, Toronto Metropolitan University is set to launch a course this year examining the influence of global Punjabi icon Diljit Dosanjh on music, identity, and the diaspora.
While Singh's musical sensibilities are shaped by rap legends like Lil Wayne and Jay-Z, he draws inspiration from genre-defying artists like Outkast, the Beatles, Daft Punk, and Ye (Kanye West). For him, the viral inauguration moment is a clear indicator: "Punjabi music is ready for the mainstream." The event stands as a powerful testament to how diasporic cultures are reshaping traditional spaces, one bhangra beat at a time.
