That was a big thing for me. From the moment I entered the venue, I focused on my performance. I didn't even know if I would win this award. I was just going to be happy, but there was no thought in the back of my mind that said, “Okay, I'm here to win this award.'' But when they announced my name and I stood up, I will remember that moment forever. It was amazing.
What’s so special about this Canadian brand of Punjabi music?
Canada has played a huge role in my career. Combining Canadian sounds and Punjabi sounds ended up creating this different genre that I didn't expect would happen. My last album “Making Memories” is a combination of American, Canadian and all other sounds with Punjabi folk music.
You used to work as a shore worker. How old were you when you did that job?
I was 19 years old. I was still playing music, but mostly writing for other people. I put out some tracks with my own voice. The job was great for my career and my sisters thought it was good for me and my future, but they didn't know what I was doing about music. I went to that job for three months. There were a lot of Punjabis working there, so they gradually started recognizing me and knew that I was interested in music. But my music didn't grow that much. I just had to focus on one thing.
After all, music can be a full-time job. Do you feel supported by the Canadian music industry?
Oh, yes, 100 percent. Canada has given me a lot of support. Maybe we will collaborate with Canadian artists in the future.
Some refer to this moment in Punjabi music as the 'Punjabi wave'. What does that mean to you?
I am so happy that I am a part of it and that I am the one who took it to this level, along with a few other Punjabi artistes who are working on the same. We're just doing it for the culture, and I feel like it's all coming together now. It's great to be able to witness that.
