The inauguration of Zohran Mamdani as New York City's mayor on Thursday was marked by a historic and culturally resonant moment when the ceremony concluded with a live performance of the popular Punjabi track, "New York vich munda rehnda, sohniye Punjabi aayeeaee". The event, which celebrated the mayor's Punjabi heritage, quickly became a viral sensation, dominating social media conversations and sparking a wider discourse on cultural identity.
A Celebratory Performance by Babbu Singh
As Mayor Mamdani concluded his speech and began greeting the crowd alongside his wife, the familiar beats of the reimagined Punjabi song filled the air. The live performance was delivered by Canada-based Sikh singer Babbu Singh, popularly known as ‘Babbulicious’, who made a striking appearance in a fuchsia turban. The song, originally titled "Gaddi Red Challenger" and released in November 2022, had its chorus set in Brampton, Canada. For this special occasion, Singh creatively adapted the lyrics, replacing international city names like London and Dubai with local New York neighbourhoods, making the anthem uniquely relevant to the event.
The performance held deep personal significance for the new mayor. Zohran Mamdani's mother is the acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, who is of Punjabi origin. Attendees noted that Nair was visibly enjoying the moment, clapping and lip-syncing along to the lyrics. The celebratory atmosphere peaked when Mamdani and Singh shared a warm embrace on stage, a moment that was widely captured and shared online. Following the event, Singh expressed his gratitude on social media, posting, "Thank you Mr Mayor for having me perform at the inauguration."
Polarised Reactions and a Cultural Clarification
While the performance was a clear hit with the live audience, it ignited a polarised reaction on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Some accounts, such as @WallStreetApes, misinterpreted the performance, incorrectly labelling it an "Islamic takeover." This backlash was based on the misidentification of the Sikh singer as Muslim and the Punjabi lyrics as Arabic.
However, this criticism ultimately backfired, leading to an unintended but positive outcome. Scores of informed users flooded the platform to correct the misinformation, clearly explaining the distinction between Punjabi and Islamic cultures. This online discussion inadvertently served to spread wider awareness about Sikhism, Punjabi language, and cultural heritage, turning a moment of confusion into an impromptu educational opportunity for a global audience.
Legacy and Global Diaspora Celebrated
The choice of a Punjabi anthem at a significant political ceremony in one of the world's most prominent cities highlights the growing influence and recognition of the Punjabi diaspora. It underscores how cultural expressions are seamlessly integrating into mainstream global events. The viral nature of the performance, fueled by both celebration and controversy, has shone a spotlight on the richness of Punjabi culture on an international stage. The event is seen as a proud moment for the community, symbolizing how heritage can be proudly showcased in spaces of formal power and governance.
