Entertainment
Rapper Sidhu Moose Wala: uncanny death by murder, and politics
Published
2 years agoon
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
Journalist for 25 years with leading publications in India and UAE such as The National, Mumbai Mirror, DNA, Indian Express and former Sports Editor of eIndia.com. Now managing editor of Headline.ae, part of MEMc (https://www.memc.co)
Announcements
Global Village announces opening date for Season 29
Published
5 days agoon
September 3, 2024By
SudhashreeSeason 29 of Global Village will kick off on October 16, 2024, the outdoor destination announced. The season will run until May 11, 2025. The popular destination remains closed during the summer months. This year, Global Village is expanding its offerings, featuring more cultural representations, never-before-seen entertainment, and exciting infrastructure upgrades.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_Z2t2cNI40/?igsh=MTh1c3NvdGlqZW9yOQ%3D%3D
Visitors to the family-friendly destination can experience a diverse range of performances, shopping, and dining experiences from cultures around the world.
Opening more than 25 years ago, the destination set a new record of over 10 million visitors in its 28th season, the longest season to date, hosting 27 pavilions representing over 90 cultures from around the globe, as well as 3,500 shopping outlets and 250 dining options.
The destination is expecting millions of visitors from around the globe to gather for the park’s attractions during the upcoming season.
Announcements
Gaming meets speed: Ferrari launches first-ever esports arena in Abu Dhabi
Published
1 week agoon
September 1, 2024By
SudhashreeFerrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s acclaimed Ferrari-themed park, has once again redefined entertainment by launching the world’s first Ferrari-themed Esports Arena. This state-of-the-art venue is set to become the go-to destination for racing enthusiasts, Formula 1 aficionados, and thrill-seekers alike.
The newly unveiled Ferrari World Esports Arena features an impressive lineup of 20 Gran Turismo simulators, thoughtfully designed to cater to a broad audience. Fourteen simulators are dedicated to adult racers, while six are specifically designed for younger guests, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes visitors of all ages.
The arena also includes three specialised F1 simulators, offering participants the exhilarating experience of sitting in the driver’s seat of a Ferrari race car and racing on legendary F1 Grand Prix circuits, including the Yas Marina Circuit. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, the Ferrari World Esports Arena offers access to the Gran Turismo simulators as part of the theme park ticket until the end of the year. The exclusive F1 simulators are available for an additional fee, starting from Dh60 per race.
Announcements
Privacy and Comfort: Inside Sharjah’s newly announced women’s beach retreat
Published
2 weeks agoon
August 24, 2024By
SudhashreeA new beach, only for women, has been announced in Sharjah under the orders of the emirate’s ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. The 500-meter beach is located in the Lulu’iya area of Khorfakkan and will offer complete privacy for women. The beach will also have other amenities like a cafe, a medical clinic, and a prayer room.
Sharjah Ruler directs allocation of beach for women in Khorfakkan's Al Luluyah area#WamNews https://t.co/CrZULIUb3E pic.twitter.com/YmyKgyHxbj
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) August 22, 2024
Other than this beach, Sharjah has the Sharjah Ladies Club beach and in 2023, Sheikh Dr Sultan announced the development of women’s only beaches in Kalba and at Al Hamariya Beach. In May this year, the Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed launched the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which includes designating new beaches for only women.
In further orders, the Sharjah Ruler directed the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking Al Bardi 6 and Al Batha areas in Khorfakkan city.
Speaking on the Sharjah’s Direct Line radio programme, Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of RTA Sharjah said that the new bridge will help the movement of residents between the two areas.
He also said the RTA will implement modifications to the internal roads in the Hayawa area.