AP Dhillon pays tribute to Sidhu Moose Wala at Coachella

During his first performance at Coachella 2024, Punjabi-Canadian singer AP Dhillon made headlines not only for his explosive performance but also for a heartfelt act that endeared himself to fans. According Advertising signDhillon paid a touching tribute to the late Punjabi star Sidhu Moose Wala by projecting a message “Justice for Sidhu Moose Wala” behind him as he performed Brown Munde.

Sidhu, a renowned Punjabi artist, actor and politician, was tragically shot and killed in May 2022. His murder remains unsolved, casting a long shadow over the Punjabi music community both in India and internationally. The rapper was known for his profound impact on the Punjabi music scene, a legacy that artists like Dhillon continue to honor in their performances.

Dhillon’s set at Coachella was full of energy as he brought a live band, backup dancers and collaborator Shinda Kahlon to the stage. Despite speculation of an appearance by British grime artist Stormzy, with whom Dhillon has recently collaborated, the set focused on the Punjabi artist and his music. His playlist ranged from the pop sounds of Summer High to the intense hip-hop vibe of Drip, all paired with dynamic visuals.

The show took a dramatic turn when Dhillon, in a rock star moment, smashed his guitar on stage after his last song. Although it was intended as a strong end to his set, the act didn’t sit well with many online. The scene quickly went viral on social media, drawing criticism from fans and observers who felt the gesture was disrespectful to the musical instrument.

In reaction to the event, fans expressed their displeasure on social media. One user commented: “Pop artists break guitars to look cool. They try to imitate Rock/Metal Artists without realizing that they are breaking their guitars from the adrenaline rush and intensity of playing the instrument. It always hurts to see the poor organ face the wrath of these contingencies. In India, we pray to the organ… This is pathetic. Make better AP.”

Others echoed this sentiment, highlighting the cultural significance of musical instruments in India and calling for more respect for the tools of the artist’s trade. “Respect the things that brought you to this stage. It’s totally your loss,” hit one online reviewer while another quipped, “Bro doesn’t have a single song where he needs to do any of that.”

One post quipped, “Going viral for your music means nothing. If this is how we show respect to art then they don’t call us musicians! I’m not sorry for posting such a comment.” “Being an artist you have to respect your tools and instruments. Rest up, congrats on your milestone,” another post claimed.

Despite the controversy, Dhillon’s tribute to Sidhu and his performance were largely received positively, marking another major moment for Punjabi music at the global festival. Coachella has previously seen Diljit Dosanjh perform a Punjabi set, and Dhillon’s continuation of that tradition highlights the growing prominence of Punjabi artists on the world stage. However, the guitar incident remains a matter of debate, highlighting cultural differences in the perception of artistic performance.

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