Punjabi music continues to evolve, yet artists like Pappi Singh Kenya stay connected to its cultural origins. He appears on Kuljit Bhamra’s new album, DESI – The Soul of Punjab, with work that aims to preserve ties to sound, identity and personal experience. The project blends traditional elements with the global Punjabi diaspora that has influenced modern bhangra. It shows how heritage, guidance and international scenes shape his creative approach. The album maintains a steady emphasis on music that feels rooted, emotional and culturally aware rather than shaped by passing trends. In an interview with DESIblitz, Pappi Singh Kenya spoke about the recording process, his African background and his view of what “Desi” represents. For him, the strongest Punjabi music draws from culture and feeling. This outlook guided his response to the tracks on the album and made it hard to pick one favourite session. He noted that all the songs are excellent and that wherever Kuljit Bhamra supplied the music, the result became special. Every track turned out well. It is difficult to choose just one because each song linked to the land, reflecting culture and art while moving the heart, holds meaning. Songs connected to culture, daily life and emotion often last longer than those made only for commercial reasons. The same view affects how he sees Punjabi music overall. Rather than naming a single favourite track, he highlighted the qualities that give a song lasting value. The phrase “connected to the soil” has long described Punjabi music that feels authentic and grounded in tradition. Pappi Singh Kenya’s stage name reflects both personal influences and the wider Punjabi diaspora music scene that shaped his early career. He explained that his teacher added “Singh Josh” to his name, and to create distinction, “Pappi Singh Kenya” came into use. When he began performing, groups from England and Kenya were popular, and their songs inspired him. He credits artists such as Gurdas Maan, Charanjit Channi, Heera Group and Premi Johal for motivation and learning. These performers helped define Punjabi music across the diaspora through live shows and songs focused on identity and storytelling. For Pappi Singh Kenya, being “Desi” links directly to culture, identity and heritage. He described it as part of a distinct identity, comparable to Desi ghee or Punjabi colours, with a spirit that remains memorable. To him, the term stands for civilisation and culture together, showing who people are. His remarks illustrate how “Desi” has grown into a broader cultural identity for South Asians in the diaspora, often tied to language, music, food and shared customs. His comments on the album reinforce a recurring idea in his work: music gains strength when it stays linked to culture and identity. From influences across India, the UK and Kenya to his understanding of “Desi,” his outlook combines tradition with diaspora experience. His contribution to Kuljit Bhamra’s project fits this pattern, offering music rooted in heritage yet able to cross borders.
