Toronto Metropolitan University to Offer Course on Diljit Dosanjh
The course will examine Dosanjh’s influence across culture, music and diaspora, and how his work continues to shape his expanding presence worldwide
Diljit Dosanjh photographed by Lane Dorsey on July 15, 2024 in Toronto. Styling by Alecia Brissett.
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) will make history in Fall 2026 with the launch of a new course dedicated to Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh.
Offered through The Creative School at TMU, the course will be the first of its kind in Canada to focus on a Punjabi artist.
The announcement was made at the Billboard Summit at NXNE in Toronto, an event that brought together key voices from across the music and media industries.
The course will look at the cultural, musical and diasporic relevance of Dosanjh’s work and his growing impact on the global stage.
“Toronto Metropolitan University is excited to pioneer a course on Diljit Dosanjh, whose journey embodies the intersection of culture, identity and global music entrepreneurship," says Dr. Charlie Wall-Andrews, Assistant Professor at The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University. "His rise illustrates the cultural influence and economic potential of Punjabi music on the world stage. By examining his impact, students will explore how regional sounds shape global pop culture, mobilize diasporic communities and contribute to sustainable creative economies rooted in authenticity.”
Over the past two decades, Dosanjh has grown from a regional sensation in Punjab into a global icon. Now with over 14 studio albums and over 50 singles under his belt, he's scored major milestones: first Punjabi artist to light up Coachella’s stage in 2023, first Punjabi performer on a late-night talk show and first turban‑wearing performer on the Met Gala carpet this year.
His albums like MoonChild Era and G.O.A.T. charted internationally – MoonChild Era ranked at No. 32 on the Canadian Albums chart, breaking new ground for Indian artists.
"It’s a true honour to help shape a course around an artist like Diljit Dosanjh," says Sonali Singh, CEO of Ripple Effects. "His journey represents far more than commercial success. It stands for cultural pride, creative freedom and global representation for Punjabi and South Asian communities. Seeing his impact formally recognized in an academic space is not only powerful; it’s long overdue. Diljit is shifting the entire music industry, one milestone at a time.”
Outside of music, Dosanjh has also built a robust film career. He has starred in blockbuster Punjabi films such as Jatt & Juliet, Punjab 1984 and Sajjan Singh Rangroot, as well as Bollywood hits like Udta Punjab, for which he won a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. His 2024 Netflix release Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali, brought him further acclaim for his portrayal of the Punjabi folk singer.
He made history North America with his Dil-Luminati tour last year, setting records in Canada for biggest Punjabi concerts outside of India. Last year, Billboard Canada released a special print edition entirely dedicated to the groundbreaking artist.
“Billboard Canada is proud to support this course through our ongoing partnership with The Creative School and TMU," says Mo Ghoneim, President of Billboard UK and Billboard Canada. "We’ve been at the forefront of spotlighting Punjabi artists, covering landmark performances, global chart debuts and pivotal cultural moments. Diljit Dosanjh is the perfect fit for this program, not just because of his star power, but because of how his work connects cultures, generations and borders. He represents the very heart of this global movement, and we’re excited to see his story enter the classroom."
