'Man Like Ikky': How Ikwinder Singh Is Shaping The Global Perception Of Punjabi Music

Representation within the creative industry has always been a competitive game where South Asian talent often struggles to find their place. Hence elevating these voices is integral in order to carve out space for native narratives and further redefine how the world perceives and embraces the vibrant mosaic of South Asian culture. ‘Dialogues of Diaspora’ is a multidisciplinary powerhouse led by London's visionary Writer/Director, Sanvir Singh and the boundless imagination of prolific Los Angeles producer Ramneet Baidwan, that seeks to capture the diverse expressions of art within the community. 

Their upcoming short film, ‘The Changemaker: Man Like Ikky', features Canadian producer and composer Ikwinder Singh aka Ikky who has been lighting up the charts with his distinct brand of hip–hop, pop and Punjabi music; both at home and across the rest of the world. Ikky, who began producing professionally in his teens, counts producers Sukshinder Shinda (Jazzy B, Amrinder Gill) and Tru Skool (Karan Aujla), along with Dr. Dre and 40, as his core formative influences. The young artist is building a dialogue between Punjabi hip-hop and its international counterparts.  

The film will offer viewers a holistic character portrait of the trendsetting artist and producer who is redefining the way the Punjabi music industry is represented on the global stage. Ikky provided the filmmakers with unprecedented access, allowing viewers a glimpse into his creative process and inner workings as he composes. Viewers are allowed an unparalleled look into his upbringing, inspiration and the origins of his career as he walks through his beat construction process, from start to finish. Ikky eloquently discusses the importance of representation and his role in helping better the diaspora moving forward. 

Bridging the gap between worlds and helping undeniable talent in the Indian community understand income streams and the potential of their brand. The 22-year-old Rexdale, Ontario-based artist has garnered over a billion streams across the globe with such career-defining hits as 'Diamond' with Gurnam Bhullar, 'Baller' with Shubh, and the Billboard Canadian Top 20 charting '52 Bars' with Karan Aujla.

A master of collaboration, Ikky has helmed smashes like 'Bambiha Bole' with Amrit Maan and Sidhu Moosewala, and 'Chauffeur' with Diljit Dosanjh and Tory Lanez. The film also sheds light on his label 4N (pronounced ‘foreign’) Records and its 4N Nights concert event series. Launched in 2021 in partnership with Warner Music and Coalition Music, it a manifestation of Ikky’s mission to “...create songs and collaborations that will bridge the gap between India’s exploding music scene and the rest of the world." 

The Changemaker: Man Like Ikky seamlessly opens a dialogue on first-generation Canadian/Punjabi experiences whilst spotlighting a trailblazer in the community. Compelling and revelatory, this deep dive film captures Ikky like you’ve never seen before. You can book tickets for his tour here and catch the film here.

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