Despite backlash on use of Punjabi music, Babbulicious remains unfazed.
The inauguration of New York City's Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, on January 1, 2026, concluded with a performance by Toronto-based Punjabi artist Babbulicious, sparking both celebration and controversy. The artist, known for his fusion of Punjabi lyrics with modern beats, performed his song "Gaddi Red Challenger" at the event held in a New York subway station.
The performance quickly went viral, with videos showing Mayor Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, dancing alongside hundreds of attendees. Many praised the moment as a celebration of New York's multicultural identity and a sign of representation for South Asian communities. The performance also marked a rare moment where Punjabi music was featured at a major US political event.
However, the event also drew criticism, particularly from conservative and far-right voices. Some objected to the use of non-English music at an official civic event, while others misidentified Babbulicious, a turbaned Sikh artist, as Muslim, leading to Islamophobic comments. One X user falsely framed the event as an "Islamic takeover of America," and Republican politician Josh Barnett questioned whether New Yorkers would "put up with this". Some social media users also falsely framed the event as an "Islamic takeover of America".
Despite the backlash, Babbulicious, born Babbu Singh, has remained unfazed. According to the Times of India, he stated that "Sometimes it's best not to engage. It's hard to convince someone to change their bias, so the best thing is to smile and continue with your day". He responded to the criticism with humorous replies and continued to share clips from the performance. The artist also posted photographs with Mamdani on social media, thanking the mayor for the invitation.
The controversy has inadvertently increased Babbulicious's visibility. The attention translated into a sharp rise in followers and streams for his music. His song returned to playlists and charts, and images from City Hall have continued to circulate online. Supporters also pushed back against the criticism, using the viral moment to highlight Sikh identity, Punjabi culture, and New York City's multicultural nature. Some X users also decried a lack of knowledge about Sikhs in the US.
Babbulicious is part of Canada's Punjabi-Canadian music scene and is closely associated with the Brampton-Toronto area. He gained popularity in the early 2020s through short, humorous music videos and remixes on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. His song 'Gaddi Red Challenger' which made him a familiar name, pokes fun at diaspora stereotypes such as flashy cars and loud pride in one's roots. Babbulicious's latest single, "Good Life!", was released on November 7, 2025. Other recent releases include "Aja Mere Naal," "YA WE HERE," and "Gal Ban Gi".
Mayor Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of New York City, has frequently appealed to the desi diaspora, including filming a video in Hindi and having the Bollywood track "Dhoom Machale" play during his victory speech. His choice to include Babbulicious in his inauguration reflects his emphasis on cultural representation and community outreach.
