Entertainment

Rapper Sidhu Moose Wala: uncanny death by murder, and politics

Published

4 years ago

May 30, 2022

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Famous Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala was gunned down in his home town of Mansa in the north Indian state in a shocking incident. The singer, with millions of fans, was 29 and killed in broad daylight.

While the murder is bound to open a can of worms in a state that just saw government changing hands and less than 24 hours after his security cover was reduced, the death of the singer has invoked a travesty of fate given that his last song released on May 15 and was titled The Last Ride.

The song was uploaded to Sidhu’s official YouTube channel, where it garnered close to 10 million views. Ironically, that song was Moose Wala’s tribute to rapper Tupac Shakur (also referred to as 2Pac), who was shot dead in his car at the age of 25 in 1996). The song’s cover pic was the car Tupac was in that day.

Punjabi #Canadian Singer #SidhuMooseWala Shot Dead in #Punjab, India. This is as big as @POPSMOKE10 and @2PAC dying in #India. RIP Sher. https://t.co/AyXrfDCakR pic.twitter.com/EWuzeMTV1M

— EqualizerHumanityUsmanKapKobe24TonyGravely (@EqualizerHuman1) May 29, 2022

Canadian-based gangster Goldy Brar has claimed responsibility for the incident saying his local module carried it out. Two cars, a Toyota and a Balero, followed his black jeep for a while before the occupants pulled the trigger. Ironically another album of Moose Wala was 295, which also became the date of his death.

The inspiration for the manner of killing may have a model in place but the circumstances around the incident are very murky.

Punjab DGP VK Bhawra said the incident seemed to be a result of inter-gang rivalry, and that special investigation team (SIT) had been formed to probe the matter. “Sidhu Moose Wala had a private bulletproof car that he didn’t take with him. On the orders of the CM, IG range has been directed to form an SIT. Three weapons were used. SSP Mansa and SSP Bathinda deployed there. ADG law and order has mobilised additional forces,” Bhawra said.

He loved to travel in an open jeep like on Sunday when he was with two friends, who are also admitted in serious condition. According to police, Moose Wala suffered bullet injuries and was rushed to a local hospital in Mansa. Dr Ranjeet Rai, civil surgeon at the Mansa hospital, said the singer was brought dead.

Sidhu Moose Wala's convoy can be seen passing and seems one car following them#Moosewala cctv pic.twitter.com/vNQHaHjr16

— Aji Rasheed Ali اجی رشید علی (@ajirasheed) May 29, 2022

But social media was abuzz with speculation about the politics behind it. The singer, whose original name is Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, joined the Congress in December 2021 and unsuccessfully contested the Punjab assembly elections as a candidate from his home district of Mansa.

He lost to Aam Aadmi Party leader Vijay Singla. While he travelled to Dubai for a concert weeks after the election, Singla and his Aam Aadmi Party assumed power for the first time in Punjab as voters elected it to power in the hope of a welcome change.

While Moose Wala himself was in the headlines for wrong reasons – he had four cases against him – Singla also was sacked as health minister after a court sent him to judicial custody on May 27 for corruption charges.

The Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab had said Moose Wala’s songs promoted drugs and gun violence. The singer also has several cases registered against him for promoting weapons in his videos.

His debut album PBX1 and later Moosetape charted in the Canadian Hot 100 tracks. He also had to apologise for using a revered figure in Sikh Culture, Mai Bhago, in one of his singles.

During the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, Moose Wala got into a controversy when he was seen firing a rifle at a shooting range of the Punjab Police, who were accompanying him during a public health programme.

Opposition parties reacted strongly and blamed the Bhagwant Mann-led government in Punjab. The singer’s party, the Congress said Mann had “blood on his hands”.

The chief minister is being blamed by opposition leaders for withdrawing his security and then for posting the order of the withdrawal on social media.

Chief minister Mann appealed for calm and said those involved will not be spared. “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the gruesome murder of Siddhu Moosewala. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his fans across the world,” he tweeted.

Filmstars and celebrities also have started expressing their condolences and shock at the incident.

Stunned by the shocking death of #SidhuMoosewala. May Waheguru give his loved ones strength in their hour of grief. RIP departed soul 🙏 Still trying to wrap my head around this one. pic.twitter.com/voGupsgZ2B

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) May 29, 2022

Related Topics:death Featured Moose murder Punjab rap Sidhu Singer Wala

Staff Reporter

Entertainment

Emirates Dubai 7s 2026: Tickets on sale as festival returns with bigger family zone

Published

1 week ago

August 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Emirates Dubai 7s is returning to The Sevens Stadium from November 27 to 29, with tickets now on sale for the three-day sports and entertainment festival.

The 2026 edition will bring together international rugby, amateur sports, live music and family entertainment, with organisers promising a bigger programme than previous years.

The festival attracted more than 88,000 visitors in 2025 and will again take place during the final weekend of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

Ticket prices

Ticket prices for General Admission and Hospitality have stayed the same for a third consecutive year.

Three-day General Admission tickets cost Dh595 per person, while the three-day Family Pass is Dh1,136 for two adults and two children.

Other ticket options

Group pass: Dh446 per person for four or more adults
Saturday or Sunday: Dh455
Friday: Dh75
Under 15s: Free
People of Determination + carer: Dh375

Tickets can be purchased through the Emirates Dubai 7s website and app.

Bigger family attractions

Family entertainment will get a major boost this year as the UAE celebrates the Year of the Family.

The festival will feature its biggest-ever Kids’ Zone, including the UAE’s largest inflatable kids’ zone, along with a Ferris wheel and zipline. More attractions are expected to be announced ahead of the event.

Six sports and top rugby action

Alongside elite rugby, visitors can watch or take part in competitions across six sports — rugby, netball, cricket, WODON3 fitness, Rebound padel and Gaelic Football.

Gaelic Football will join the festival for the first time in 2026.

The Sevens Stadium will also host the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series 2027, bringing the world’s leading rugby sevens players to Dubai.

The WODON3 Elite final will take place on Pitch 1 between HSBC SVNS matches, with competitors potentially performing in front of crowds of up to 20,000.

Music all weekend

Live entertainment will run throughout the festival, with local and international artists performing across three days.

Last year’s line-up included Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul and Fisher, while the 2026 headline acts will be announced later.

For a premium experience, The Sunroom returns with all-inclusive food and drinks, shaded seating, prime sporting views and dedicated access. Packages start from Dh1,925 per person.

With sport, music and family attractions packed into one weekend, Emirates Dubai 7s is gearing up for another big Dubai event.

Entertainment

Dubai launches ‘Dubai+’ family streaming platform to boost digital media and creative economy

Published

7 months ago

January 29, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new family-oriented digital media platform, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital media and the creative economy.

The approval came as Sheikh Ahmed chaired the Dubai Media Council’s first meeting of 2026 at Dubai Media, where members reviewed sector strategies and plans to strengthen content creation, innovation and local production capabilities.

What is Dubai+?

Dubai+ will offer a wide range of family-friendly content, bringing together:

Local and Emirati productions
Arab series and films
International entertainment

The platform reflects Dubai Media’s integrated digital ecosystem strategy, responding to shifting viewer habits and the growing demand for high-quality, on-demand digital content.

“We believe media is a strategic force that shapes awareness, supports development and builds trust,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

Boosting Local Film and Content Production

The Council also reviewed plans to:

Enhance local production capabilities
Support cinema as a cultural and creative industry
Invest in programmes that drive creative and economic growth

Samr Al Marzooqi, Director of Films and Production at the Dubai Media Council, outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at showcasing Emirati and international talent while strengthening Dubai’s film sector.

Next Phase of Growth

Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said the next phase will focus on monitoring implementation and ensuring measurable outcomes across the sector.

Secretary General Nehal Badri added that priorities include encouraging private sector participation, accelerating content development, and investing in talent, advanced production technologies and future-ready capabilities.

Announcements

DP World ILT20 Crowns ‘Habibi & Habibti’ as mascot winners

Published

10 months ago

November 2, 2025

Staff Reporter

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The DP World International League T20 concluded its first-of-its-kind Mascot Design Competition this week. The competition was held from 4 July to 21 September.

The competition captured the imagination of students across the UAE. With an overwhelming number of entries, the activation demonstrated the extraordinary creativity, enthusiasm, and energy that cricket inspires among young minds, making it a truly nationwide celebration of sport, culture, and community.

The grand mascot unveiling was held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Oud Metha. The winning student, Levin Veeroy Fernandes, was officially announced, and his imaginative design (Habibi and Habibti) was transformed into the official mascot of the DP World ILT20, now set to become the face of the league for seasons to come.

The event featured an exciting reveal ceremony, with the student’s design brought to life and presented in front of a vibrant audience, celebrating not only Levin’s creativity but also the remarkable participation of schools and students across the UAE.

The DP World ILT20 extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants whose contributions made this initiative a resounding success. Each entry brought unique ideas and perspectives, reinforcing the league’s commitment to inspiring young minds and celebrating the spirit of cricket.

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “On behalf of team DP World International League T20, I want to thank all the participants for their efforts. For us, all of you are winners, we are delighted with the interest that the competition created across the UAE.

“The DP World ILT20 is all about UAE and the development of the sport amongst present and future generations of cricketers. Sport and cricket in particular has helped bring together a number of communities and nationalities across the UAE. Cricket has a four-decade long legacy in the country and with the continued growth of the league, the future of cricket not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region is bright and exciting.”

Indian High Schools Group CEO Shri Punit MK Vasu: “Our partnership with DP World ILT20 presents a remarkable platform for our learners to witness world-class cricket in Dubai while embracing the deeper lessons the sport imparts.

“At The Indian High Group of Schools, we uphold the belief that cricket’s enduring spirit fosters respect, discipline, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and composure under pressure, values that cultivate not only accomplished athletes, but also well-rounded, future-ready individuals prepared to lead with integrity, ethics and purpose in a global arena.”

The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.