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Ejae: The Unsung Hero Behind Rumi’s Voice in KPop Demon Hunters

August 1, 2025

a deeper heartbeat emerged beneath the surface: the voice of Rumi— performed and co-written by the Korean-American singer-songwriter Ejae.

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From Parliament to Perry: Justin Trudeau Sparks Dating Rumors After Cozy Dinner & Passionate "Firework" Duet With Katy Perry

August 1, 2025

Former Canadian PM and pop star fuel speculation following her split from Orlando BloomFormer Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became the unexpected star of Katy Perry’s Montreal concert this...

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‘Lollapalooza 2025's Lineup Is a Cultural Time Capsule, And We're Here For It’

August 1, 2025

The dust has settled on Lollapalooza’s lineup announcement, and the message is clear: the 34-year-old festival isn’t resting on its laurels. With a single Instagram post, organizers simultaneously...

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Jess Glynne Slams White House Over Deportation Meme Using Her Song

July 31, 2025

When the White House repurposed a popular Jet2 Holidays meme video featuring Jess Glynne's hit "Hold My Hand" to highlight ICE deportations, the backlash was immediate and loud. “This post honestly...

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Linkin Park: The AMV Band Is Alive and Well Despite Everything

July 31, 2025

The silence that followed my mother’s words felt like the weight of the world pressing in on me. I was 17, but in that moment, I felt small, like that eight-year-old kid again, curled up in my...

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Will ‘Golden’ From ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Be Able to Overtake ‘Ordinary’ on the Billboard Hot 100?

July 31, 2025

The competition for the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 is heating up as the K-pop phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters (KPDH) sees its soundtrack dominate the charts. One song in particular...

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Doja Cat Takes a Jab at Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Ad as Backlash Grows

July 31, 2025

Doja Cat is stirring the pot.. and social media is here for it.‍The rapper took to TikTok on Tuesday (July 29) to parody Sydney Sweeney’s recent American Eagle commercial, which has come under fire...

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From Scarborough to Stardom: The Weeknd Receives Toronto's Highest Honor Ahead of Homecoming Concerts

July 31, 2025

The Weeknd’s meteoric rise from Toronto’s underground music scene to global superstardom came full circle this weekend as Mayor Olivia Chow presented the Grammy-winning artist with the Key to the...

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Chappell Roan’s ‘The Subway’ Arrives This Week After Teasing Fans for Over a Year

July 31, 2025

After months of anticipation, Chappell Roan has confirmed that her long-awaited single, "The Subway," will officially arrive this Wednesday, July 31, at 8 PM EST. The announcement came via her...

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Black Sabbath Bassist Recalls Final Gig and 57-Year Friendship with Ozzy Osbourne: ‘I Wasn’t Prepared to See How Frail He Was’

July 31, 2025

As the world mourns the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath’s legendary bassist Terence “Geezer” Butler has shared a heartfelt essay about his friendship with the iconic rocker. Butler, who...

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What If Taylor Swift Left Spotify, Again?

July 30, 2025

Taylor Swift deleted her entire repertoire off Spotify in 2014, arguing that the site did not pay musicians fairly. Despite initial criticism as a publicity trick, the action drew international...

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“Back to Friends” by Sombr Is the Gen Z Anthem of Summer

July 30, 2025

Introducing Sombr, an indie-pop musician whose hit song "Back to Friends" is encapsulating the spirit of Generation Z and beyond. The song was first released on December 27, 2024, however it has...

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The Rise of Punjabi Music in Canada: A Cultural Renaissance

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In the heart of Canada's diverse music scene, Punjabi music is making significant strides, marking a new chapter in the country's cultural tapestry. This shift is not just a testament to the genre's growing appeal but also highlights the contributions of Punjabi artists who are bringing their rich musical heritage to the global stage. Among them, Karan Aujla stands out, having recently clinched the TikTok Fan Choice Award at the Juno Awards in Halifax. This win is notable not just for its historical significance—Aujla is the first racialized artist to win in this category in its 21-year history—but also for what it represents for the Punjabi music industry in Canada.

 

Karan Aujla's journey from a young boy in India, grappling with personal loss, to an acclaimed musician in Canada, encapsulates the essence of the Punjabi wave in music. "Sometimes I just can't believe I'm that same kid...and today I'm here, man. Let's go!" Aujla remarked during his acceptance speech, underlining his journey's impact and the beacon of hope it serves for aspiring artists.

 

The ripples of Aujla's success have been felt widely within the Punjabi music community, especially among upcoming artists like Harsimranjeet Singh, known professionally as Rickee. Based in Winnipeg, Rickee views Aujla's Juno win as a monumental achievement for Punjabi artists globally. "We feel proud as a Punjabi music artist...that such music artists they are taking the Punjabi industry to the international level and they are representing the Punjabi community on such a big stage," Rickee shared, reflecting the sentiment of many in the community.

 

Rickee's own path mirrors the broader narrative of Punjabi music's evolution in Canada. Arriving as an international student in 2011, he has since made significant strides in the music scene while also promoting Punjabi culture through dance. His fusion of traditional Punjabi folk songs with western beats has garnered a substantial following, illustrating the genre's versatile appeal.

 

The growth of Punjabi music in Canada is also evidenced by the experiences of cultural promoters like Ranveer Brar, founder and director of the Winnipeg Punjabi Arts Academy. Brar observes an increased interest in Punjabi music among a diverse audience, a trend he attributes to the genre's ability to transcend cultural boundaries. "Being from a Punjabi background, everybody listens to Punjabi music, but now the fact that it's grown so much internationally you see these artists collaborating with other artists from different types of music," Brar stated.

 

The incorporation of traditional Punjabi instruments like the dhol and tumbi into contemporary music has played a crucial role in the genre's popularity. These instruments contribute to the distinctive sound of Punjabi music, which Brar describes as "very upbeat and uplifting." This musical characteristic, he notes, has a universal appeal that encourages listeners of all backgrounds to embrace the rhythm and energy of Punjabi tunes.

 

The significance of Aujla's Juno win extends beyond individual achievement; it is a milestone for the Punjabi music industry and a reflection of Canada's multiculturalism. The success of Punjabi artists on such platforms not only elevates the genre but also paves the way for future generations to pursue their musical ambitions. The burgeoning Punjabi wave in Canada's music scene is a testament to the enduring appeal of cultural expression and the transformative power of music to unite diverse communities.