An Indian-American singer made first last weekend by being the first Punjabi performer to headline Wembley Stadium.
Diljit Dosanjh, 42, has built an international fan base across two decades, after his debut in 2003. Performing for a crowd of more than 90,000 people, he gave his audience songs from the full range of his catalogue.
The show, which finished around 11pm, was part of the ‘Aura Tour’ – the latest international tour from Dosanjh – which celebrates the release of his 15th studio album, with the same name.
Viraj Anand, who attended Saturday’s concert, said: “I don’t think I’ve experienced Wembley like that. He has now joined an elite group of headliners. The significance of the moment is a testament of his consistency.”
Jaivir Singh Baines – another fan of Dosanjh – said: “He carries a very big image for Sikh and Punjabi people. His concerts are some of the best concerts I go to.” Baines did not manage to get tickets for the Wembley show but is seeing the artist live this week.
Mark Lynch, Wembley Stadium director, said: “It was an incredible show and a landmark moment for Wembley Stadium.
“For us, Wembley should be a place where people come together, celebrate the things they love and create memories. To see Punjabi music celebrated on this scale was a really special moment.”
The show comes near the end of European leg of the tour. It was capped with follow-up shows in Birmingham on Friday and Manchester on Sunday. Both these concerts also had standout attendance.
In an interview with the BBC ahead of the concert, he said: “It is a dream for me. I feel good for my people. It’s not just about my fans, it is for the whole community.”
However, it was announced that Dosanjh will be returning to India to continue the tour – with an initial show planned for the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Fans of Dosanjh welcomed the news, with a date set for Saturday 21 November.
After a humble childhood in India, Dosanjh later moved to North America after growing international notoriety. He was also the first Punjabi artist to perform at Coachella in 2023.
Featured image credit:Viraj Anand
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