Sikhism, Punjab, and music are closely interlinked, and very influential in the history of music. As Hofstra University highlights, rāg is an important part of the wider Sikh cultural tradition, reflecting a spiritual and scriptural need that provides color to the Sikh way of life. As such, there has been a long line of influential Sikh artists who have embraced their cultural and ethnic tradition, bringing that into the songs they make and creating a clear connection between modern music and the life of Sikh people.
The self-starting ethic
Most modern DJs have found their way into the industry through self-application. Creating beats requires an ear for music, of course, but also a willingness to tinker with computer programs. The long history of music production is very deeply seated in a go-and-get-it style attitude, self startedness, and being confident. This ties into Kirat Karna; the idea of honest labor; and is a great contributor in music.
A great example of this being put into action is London’s dance music collective Daytimers. Set up in lockdown, a profile by The Guardian notes that the group chiefly consists of South Asian DJs, including practicing Sikhs, and focuses on Punjabi music traditions. As a result, they’ve been able to spread the word of Punjabi and Sikh culture further; Daytimers are not just a Sikh-interest group but have a broad appeal across much of South London and indeed the world. Yung Singh, one of the stars of the collective, has become known for a creative view of music, and the simple, down-to-earth production process, letting his ideas do the talking. This is a great way through which Sikh musical tradition is being communicated, both implicitly and explicitly.
Embracing Sevā
Music is fun, but it’s also a uniting factor. It brings people together, brings equality between groups, and gives a shared interest for everyone to enjoy together. This has been well recognized by UK Midlands collective PNGA. According to an interview in Sludge Mag, this group, which have taken to being champions of the South Asian community with enthusiasm, see their music as a way of undertaking selfless service - Sevā. Through their music they’re bringing people together, providing a link cultural heritage to enjoy together, and providing something of an education. Indeed, according to one PNGA DJ, Manj, the Punjabi history of his music provides a much greater range of instruments to use, which can be a hugely fun listening experience for new fans.
Bringing the old
Punjabi music has already brought huge and memorable contributions to the global music scene. Panjabi Man’s Mundian T
o Bach Ke and Daler Mehndi’s Tunak Tunak Tun spring to mind that have come to typify not only Punjabi and Sikh music, but the worldwide perception of South Asian music as a whole. Indian music has become synonymous with these two songs.
Not to forget tradition, DJs are also harnessing these classic tunes in their own modern creations. In a review of some of the most exciting Punjabi MCs in Canada, Business Insider highlights the work of Madame Gandhi and Sikh Knowledge, who have continued to bring a strongly modern twist to their music while always paying homage to the old masters. This is a key component of modern Sikh music. Respect for tradition and paying respect by continuing to use those older songs, creates a strong historical link and helps these modern artists to weave their modern inspirations with the classic qualities of the past.
The benefits of this are clear to see. Traditional Punjabi music and the Sikh tradition it calls upon are maintained and spread to a wider audience. In that music is a message about Sikh principles and the way of life, something which is consistently backed up by the artists themselves - they don’t shirk on the issue of religion, and instead seek to integrate it into every bar of music that they create. There are few better ways to enjoy recreation in a way that also contributes to meeting the goals and principles of a well-lived Sikh life, and that’s something that aspiring artists should certainly look to embrace.