advertisement
Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
advertisement
Popular
Latest News
advertisement
BILLBOARD CANADA FYI
A weekly briefing on what matters in the music industry
By signing up you agree to Billboard Canada’s privacy policy.
advertisement
advertisement
Diljit Dosanjh photographed by Lane Dorsey on July 15 in Toronto. Styling by Alecia Brissett. On Diljit: EYTYS jacket
Music News
Diljit Dosanjh Responds to Racist Comments During Aura 2025 Tour Stop in Australia
The Punjabi artist spoke out against racist remarks and community backlash during the Australia/New Zealand leg of his Aura 2025 world tour.
2h
Punjabi pop icon Diljit Dosanjh has addressed a spate of racist comments aimed at him during the Australia–New Zealand leg of his ongoing Aura 2025 World Tour.
After arriving in Australia on Oct. 28, the "Kufar" singer shared a behind-the-scenes video from his tour preparations, revealing that local media coverage of his arrival had triggered racist remarks online.
According to reports, trolls left comments such as “The new Uber driver is here” and “The new 7/11 employee has arrived.”
Instead of reacting with anger, Dosanjh responded calmly. “I don’t mind being compared to a cab or truck driver,” he said in the video. “If truck drivers stop working, people won’t even get food delivered to their homes. I’m not angry — my love goes out to everyone.”
advertisement
During his Melbourne concert on Nov. 1, the singer brought up the issue again while addressing fans in Punjabi, saying, “Our people have worked hard here… today all the white folks are the ones working for them!”
Following the backlash, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, condemned the racist abuse and apologized publicly, calling it “rubbish from a tiny minority of idiots.” Hill praised Dosanjh for his dignified response, adding that his approach was “admired and respected”
The tour, however, has not been without controversy. Days before the Melbourne show, several Sikh fans were reportedly denied entry to Dosanjh’s Sydney concert at CommBank Stadium for carrying kirpans, a ceremonial dagger worn as a sacred Sikh article of faith.
Venue operator Venues NSW reiterated that kirpans are prohibited inside its venues but said secure storage was offered to attendees. Some audience members chose to leave rather than surrender the religious item.
Adding to the tension, the U.S.-based organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) threatened to disrupt the Melbourne concert, which took place on Nov. 1, coinciding with Sikh Genocide Remembrance Day. The group accused Dosanjh of showing respect to Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan — a figure they claim is linked to inciting the 1984 anti-Sikh riots — after Dosanjh touched Bachchan’s feet during an appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati 17.
advertisement
According to a report by Live Mint, SFJ’s statement alleged that by paying respects to Bachchan, Dosanjh had “insulted every victim, widow and orphan of the 1984 Sikh Genocide.” The group’s remarks drew sharp criticism from across the Indian diaspora, with many defending Dosanjh’s gesture as a traditional act of respect rather than a political one.
Meanwhile in Canada, Dosanjh is making waves on the charts once again. His 2025 album Aura has entered the Billboard Canadian Albums chart (dated Nov. 1) at No. 39.
Released via Warner Music, the 10-track project marks the Punjabi superstar’s 15th studio album, featuring longtime collaborators Intense, Preet Hundal, MixSingh, Avvy Sra and Sunny Malton — a testament to Dosanjh’s growing international reach and enduring musical momentum across the world.
keep readingShow less
advertisement
Popular
advertisement
Published by ARTSHOUSE MEDIA GROUP (AMG) under license from Billboard Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation.
advertisement