Hip-hop artist Sidhu Moose Wala wasn't like other rappers.
He spoke deep Punjabi, sported a turban, and was both a politician and a philanthropist.
In his native state and around the world, his music had made him a household name.
In addition to working with Tione Wayne, Bohemia, Steel Banglez, and Burna Boy, he counted legendary rapper Drake as a friend.
His unexpected passing in a gun ambush last May at the age of 28 shocked everyone.
Fans, friends, and family in the UK have been holding ceremonies to remember him as it has been a year since his passing this past week.
How then did a singer-songwriter from the unassuming Indian village of Moosa capture the interest of celebrities like Drake and become a global sensation?
After graduating in the Punjab, Moose Wala—real name Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu—moved to Canada to pursue further education.
With the release of his debut song, G Wagon, there in 2017, he began his musical career.
He released So High, his breakthrough soundtrack, later that year.
He started his own record company in 2020, 5911 Records, and the following year, he reportedly became the first Indian singer to perform at Wireless Festival.
Some people criticized Moose Wala for using his early works to promote gun culture.
His lyrics, which frequently sparked controversy, were centered on Punjabi politics and the Sikh faith's past.
He joined the Congress Party in 2021, the principal opposition force to the Indian government.
He had recently postponed his wedding ceremony, which had been scheduled for the month before he passed away while engaged.
After receiving numerous tributes from his peers, Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy paid a visit to Moose Wala's village last month and presented his parents with a crystal portrait of their son.
Producer and presenter of the BBC Asian Network, Dipps Bhamrah, claims that Moose Wala gave Punjabi music a new sound and persona.
For us in the UK, it was a time when singers of our parents' generation were still active and performing, he claims.
"Nothing was novel or intriguing.
"But then this new Canadian guy shows up with a voice and a style we've never heard before.
It was unique and it instantly struck a chord with us.
In addition to young Punjabis, people of all ages and even those who don't speak Punjabi were drawn in. " .
In the UK this week, prayer services in London, Gravesend, and a candlelight vigil in Birmingham showcased the diversity of Moose Wala's fan base.
Sandeep Kaur and her niece Manveer were the subjects of a BBC Asian Network interview.
Sandeep claims, "I've been listening to him since day one.".
He helped British Punjabis who were born and raised here to become more in touch with their roots, language, and culture.
"I have a nephew who had no knowledge of Punjab before listening to Sidhu's music, and since then, he has been inquiring about it.
"He has strengthened the ties between the young people and our Punjab and Sikhism. ".
He was very influential on the younger generation, according to Manveer, and his songs were very powerful. ".
Teenage friends Jagbir Sahota and Sukhveer Singh concur that Moose Wala helped them connect to their roots.
He was filled with heart and spirit. Sukhveer says, "He brought up topics in his songs that got us to think.
Jagbir continues, "His music brought people from all over the world, all cultures, and all languages together.".
"Just take a look at his joint projects and the rappers who have spoken out in favor of him. No other Sidhu Moose Wala will ever exist. ".
A close friend of Moose Wala's, Kent native Sandy Joia, claims the two were like brothers.
When the rapper visited the UK, he would always stay with him in Kent.
Even now, Sandy admits, "I still get goosebumps when I talk about him.".
"Sidhu had a wonderful aura that we can still perceive today. Recently, Burna Boy visited our home, and even he commented that Sidhu still seems to be here. ".
Moose Wala was revered by people everywhere. He was, however, their lone child to his parents.
Balkaur Singh, Moose's father, claims that Sidhu was the first to make his father a star as well. Sidhu has created many stars in Punjab.
"I accompanied him everywhere, appeared in a few of his music videos, and was present backstage at his performances.
I was also critical of him. He always played a song to me first for feedback before releasing it.
We had a father-son relationship like that. ".
At the ceremonies honoring his son, Balkaur Singh is in the UK.
When he meets everyone and witnesses the love his son has received in his 28 years of life, he exclaims, "I feel so proud.".
He says, "I am receiving a portion of his love.".
There are many theories surrounding the murder of Moose Wala. Some say it was the result of gang rivalry, while others say it was planned by rival musicians.
Since his passing, dozens have been detained, but no one has gone to trial.
His parents aspire to see the day when their son's murderers are brought to book.
There hasn't been a single case filed against anyone in a year, claims Balkaur.
"Some say they've detained 25, others say they've detained 30, but not a single person has been brought to court," one person said.
We won't be around much longer if we continue down this path. Justice: When Will It Arrive?
"We are pleading with the Indian authorities to expedite this case so that my son's killers can go on trial. ".
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