This week on episode 84 of Gent’s Talk, presented by BULOVA Canada, we had the privilege of hosting recording artist Ikky, whose music and career have been instrumental in representing and elevating Punjabi culture on a global stage. Known for his authenticity and dedication, Ikky shared insights into his journey, the challenges he has faced, and the sense of responsibility he feels as a role model and cultural ambassador. His commitment to preserving the richness of Punjabi heritage while navigating the music industry’s complexities has made him a significant figure both in Canada and around the globe.
Episode 85 of the Gent’s Talk podcast with Punjabi recording artist, Ikky:
The journey and challenges
Ikky’s journey in music started at a young age, influenced heavily by his father, who was a songwriter in India. “My dad got us into it,” Ikky recalled. “He used to write songs in India, but it didn’t work out for him there. When he came to Canada, he always found ways to spark our interests, like getting me a Casio piano instead of a toy.”
Despite his early start and parental support, Ikky faced numerous challenges. One of the most significant was understanding and embracing the responsibility that comes with being a public figure. “The hardest part is the responsibility,” Ikky shared. “At any point, you could win it all, but you can lose it all very quickly too. It’s about becoming more responsible and aware of the words in the songs and the impact they have.”
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Maintaining balance and integrity
Balancing the pressures of the music industry and maintaining integrity is a constant struggle. Ikky attributes his grounded nature to his parents’ morals. “Choices are something you can dictate,” he said. “My parents always emphasized doing things with respect for yourself and others.”
Ikky’s approach to music is deeply rooted in his cultural identity. He focuses on positive messages and avoids content that could negatively influence young listeners. “I try not to stick my head into too many things and just focus on what I know I can do best,” he explained. “My goal is to make happy music, music that people want to dance to, and avoid the violent and derogatory themes that have crept into some Punjabi music.”
The influence of Punjabi culture
Ikky’s dedication to promoting Punjabi culture is evident in his music and career choices. “Punjabi culture is such a rich culture, and that needs to be represented,” he emphasized. “It’s important to do that the right way because you don’t want someone selling it to the Western world without the love and morals that come with it.”
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Living in Canada, Ikky has never felt the conflict between his Punjabi heritage and Canadian identity. “I didn’t feel racism until I went to Florida for school,” he noted. “Canada gave me the two cultures as purely as it could, without anyone trying to tear down one or the other.”
Global reach and responsibility
Ikky’s success is not confined to India or the Punjabi community. He has achieved significant recognition in North America and beyond. “When I was 17 and had my first hit, it was important to me that my music wasn’t just recognized in India but also in Canada, where I was born,” he said. “I teamed up with Coalition Music and Warner Music Canada, who helped me reach a broader audience.”
Despite his success, Ikky remains focused on his mission to create positive, impactful music. “I don’t want to make trap or hip-hop that promotes negative behavior. I want to make music that makes people happy and brings them together,” he stated. “If I’m not sad, why would I make a sad song? I want to put out a good message, get people dancing, and talk about love and respect.”
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Future goals and legacy
Looking ahead, Ikky aims to continue pushing the boundaries and promoting Punjabi culture through his music. “I’m always trying to double up what we achieved last year,” he said. “I’m not about name-dropping, but I’m always aiming for the top five.”
Ikky’s commitment to his craft and his community is unwavering. “I like the responsibility of being a gatekeeper for Punjabi culture,” he concluded. “In 30 years, I want to look back and be proud of what I did for the culture.”
Ikky’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, cultural pride, and positive influence. His story inspires aspiring artists and resonates with those who appreciate the rich heritage of Punjabi culture.
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Gent’s Talk, presented by BULOVA
The Gent’s Talk podcast is proudly presented by BULOVA Canada. Season 6, episode 85 is now available to stream on all podcast platforms including, Youtube, Spotify, Apple iTunes/Podcasts, Goodpods, iHeartRadio, Audible, Amazon Music and Google Podcasts! Seasons 1-6 are all on board Air Canada flights via the in-flight entertainment system. Please make sure to like, follow and subscribe. Your continued support throughout this journey is greatly appreciated.
