Diljit Dosanjh, the Punjabi superstar, has made history as the first South Asian artist to appear on the cover of Billboard Magazine. Known for pioneering the “Punjabi wave” by fusing folk music with rap and hip-hop, Dosanjh will feature on the debut print edition of Billboard Canada in December.
Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati tour has drawn widespread attention, despite controversies surrounding unpaid dancers. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most successful tours by a South Asian artist. The upcoming magazine issue promises exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from his manager Sonali Singh, shedding light on the tour’s journey.
The special edition offers four collectible covers that celebrate different aspects of Dosanjh’s identity, with one cover, part of a global Billboard initiative, being kept under wraps until the release. Limited signed box sets with editions in multiple languages will also be available, highlighting his widespread influence.
At a recent sold-out show at London’s O2 Arena, Dosanjh thrilled fans by announcing the launch of pre-orders for the magazine.
A Trailblazer for South Asian Artists
This Billboard cover is just one of many groundbreaking achievements for the 40-year-old singer and actor. Last year, Dosanjh became the first Punjabi artist to perform at the Coachella music festival. In June, he made his debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, who introduced him as “the biggest Punjabi artist on the planet.”
Dosanjh’s ability to blend music, film, and fashion has made him a global sensation. He stars in films like Crew, alongside Bollywood icons Tabu, Kareena Kapoor, and Kriti Sanon, often performing his own songs in these movies.
Hailing from a small village in Punjab, India, Dosanjh’s unique blend of modern and traditional aesthetics has captivated audiences. His collaborations with international stars such as Ed Sheeran, Sia, and Saweetie further showcase his global reach. A standout moment was when Dosanjh convinced Ed Sheeran to sing in Punjabi during a concert — a memory fans still rave about.
As Dosanjh continues to push boundaries, his appearance on the cover of Billboard Canada marks yet another milestone in a career filled with historic firsts.
