The evolution in today’s Punjabi music industry is phenomenal. Excellent tone and attractive beats are the reasons for the immense reach of Punjabi music around the world. Indians have always been fans of Punjabi music. It’s no surprise that Punjabi singers have the largest fan base compared to other music industries. We have curated a list of the top 10 Punjabi singers of all time. So, let’s get started!
Gurdas Maan
Gurdas Maan is a Punjabi actor, singer, and lyricist. He has recorded over 34 albums and has written over 305 songs.
From being a worker on an electricity board to becoming a famous singer, he has proved that passion and determination lead to success.
Some of his best works include
- “Giddhey Vich”
- “Shagna Di Mehndi”
- “Bekedre Lokan Wich”
- “Makhna”
Career Achievements
- National award for best Playback singer Male at 54th National Film awards.
- “Best International Album” for Boot Polishan by UK music awards.
Kuldeep Manak
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Kuldeep Manak was regarded as the best Punjabi Singer in the world. The love for music started to blossom inside Kuldeep from a very young age. He has mentioned that his mentor constantly persuaded him to perform on stage with courage and confidence.
Some of his best works include
- “Gadeya Millade Sohne Yaar”
- “Tere tille Ton”
- “Dulleya ve Tokra”
Career Achievements
He became the king of “Kaliyan” in the early phases of his career.
Chamkila
Amar Singh Chamkila is always considered the best live stage performer that Punjab has produced. That’s the reason why he’s one of the best singers of all time. Chamkila was a songwriter, music director, and singer.
Some of his best works are
- Pehle Lalkare Naal
- Jija Lak Minor
- Laija Kithe Dhoor
- Gora Gora Rang
Career Achievements
Chamkila has entered 5 times in the Top 40 Music Artists chart.
Surinder Kaur
Surinder Kaur was an Indian singer and songwriter who popularized Punjabi folk. She also contributed to Bollywood. She was given the title “Nightingale of Punjab”. Kaur made her professional debut in 1943 and emerged as one of the most memorable Superstars of all time.
Some of her best works include
- Maavan ‘te Dheeyan
- Madhaniyan
- Shaman Di Raat
Career Achievements
- She earned the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1984
- She won the Padma Shri in 2006
Yamla Jatt
Yamla Jatt was a noted Punjabi folk singer whose hallmarks were his soothing vocals. He was famously known as the “Pinnacle of Punjabi Music” and was popular for his mastery in using Tumbi- A traditional North Indian Instrument.
He started his career in 1952 and never stopped to rock the whole world with his performances.
Some of his best works are
- Das Main Ki Pyar Wichon Khattya
- Satgur Nanak Teri Leela Nyaari Ae
- Whisky Di Botal Wargi
Career Achievements
- He was awarded a Gold Medal by the Indian Prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru by 1956
- He was also awarded a Lifetime contribution by the National Academy of Dance, music, and arts.
Hans Raj Hans
Hans Raj Hans is an Indian singer who later became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
His Punjabi folk and Sufi music are some of the fans’ favorites. Apart from being a singer, he has also been a brilliant professor at Washington DC University.
Some of his best works are
- Mundeh Punjabi
- Jhanjar
- Chorni
- Tera Ishq
Career Achievements
He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award at PTC Punjabi Music Awards 2018.
Babbu Maan
Babbu Maan is one of the most popular Punjabi Singers with the generation of the 90s and one of the best Punjabi Singers of all time. He began his career in 1998 and since the beginning of his career, he has ruled the punjabi music industry. Apart from music, he has also directed, acted and even wrote screenplay for many of his films.
Some of his most popular songs include –
- Saaun di Jhadi
- Kabza
- Mere Dil Vich
- Talaash (Album)
- Touchwood
- Piyaas (Album)
Career Achievements
He has won many international awards including daf BAMA Music Awards in 2017, World’s Best Indian Male Artist, World’s Best Indian Live Act, World’s Best Indian Entertainer and World’s Best Indian Album for Talaash: In Search of Soul in 2014 and many others.
Sardool Sikander
Sardool Sikander was a Punjabi singer related to folk and pop. He started his career from radio and television where he released his first album “Roadways Di Laari”
Some of his best works are
- Red Alert
- Shareek
- Mera Valeti
- Paranda
Career Achievements
In 1911, his album named “Husna De Malki” sold about 5 million copies around the world.
Diljit Dosanjh
Diljit Dosanjh is an actor, singer, and writer in both the Punjabi and Hindi music industries. His excellence in singing and acting has made him a renowned artist in India. He is one of the few Punjabi Artists who has made a mark in Bollywood working with big ticket actors like Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and more.
Some of his best works are
- Lak 28
- Patiala Peg
- 5 Taara
- “Born to Shine”
- “CLASH”
- “Laal Ghagra”
Career Achievements
Punjabi music best Pop Album, 2010
Punjabi music best Male vocalist Award, 2020
Filmfare award for the Best Male Debut, 2017
Sidhu Moosewala
While Diljit is undoubtedly one of the most popular Punjabi Artists in India, Sidhu Moosewala is the most famous Punjabi Singer in today’s generation. With his gangster style, he has become an icon in Punjabi Music Industry. His style often lands him in controversies but nonetheless, his popularity keeps on soaring.
Some of his best works include –
- So High
- Tochan
- Mafia Style
- East Side Flow
- Devil
- Bad
Career Achievements
Best Album Award at 2019 Brit Asia TV Music Awards
Track of the Year for “Legend”
Best International Male Act
Best Lyricist
So, these were the top 10 Punjabi Singers of all time. This list is by no means a perfect list as there is just too much talent and creativity to wrap up in a small list. There are other major artists who deserve a special mentions including Jazzy B, Badshah and even Honey Singh who apart from all his controversies, is the pioneer of modern punjabi music. So who’s your favourite Punjabi Singer, let us know in the comments.
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