Singga, whose real name is Manpreet Singh, is an Indian singer, songwriter, rapper, lyricist, composer, music producer, actor, and director prominently active in the Punjabi music and entertainment industry. Born on February 26, 1992, in Ludhiana, Punjab, he hails from Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur district and holds a Master of Arts degree in History. Rising to prominence through his lyrical prowess and versatile musical style blending pop and gangsta rap elements, Singga has become a key figure in contemporary Punjabi music, known for promoting themes of love, unity, positivity, and social equality in his work.[1][2][3]Singga's career began in 2012 during his college years, when he released his first song collaboratively with friends, initially focusing on lyric writing. His breakthrough came in 2017 as a lyricist for the hit track "Badnam," which garnered widespread acclaim and established his reputation in the industry. He made his singing debut in December 2018 with "Jatt Di Clip 2," marking a shift toward performing and producing his own music. Notable singles include "Brotherhood," "Bachelors," "21st Century," "Criminal," and "PPL (Proud Pendu Legacy)," often featuring collaborations with artists like Gill Manuke and Gurlej Akhtar, and reflecting his raw, emotional storytelling. His discography emphasizes authentic Punjabi sounds, with releases available on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, where he has built a massive following.[3][1][4]Expanding beyond music, Singga ventured into acting with his debut in the 2020 Punjabi film Jora: The Second Chapter, followed by a lead role in Kade Haan Kade Naa (2021). Other roles include Mining - Reyte te Kabzaa (2023), Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye (2025), and Sayonee (2025). He also stars in and makes his directorial debut with the upcoming Fakkar (2025), for which he underwent extensive prosthetic makeup to portray an intense character during filming at the Kumbh Mela. As a producer and director, he oversees many of his music videos and projects under his label, Singga Music, emphasizing innovative and guerrilla-style production. Singga's personal interests in horse riding, travel, and fitness, along with his advocacy for mental wellness, further define his multifaceted persona in Punjabi entertainment.[3][5][6][7]
Early life and education
Family and upbringing
Singga was born Manpreet Singh on 26 February 1992 in Ludhiana, Punjab, India.[1] He hails from Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur district and grew up in the rural surroundings of his village, which shaped his early connection to Punjabicultural heritage. He hails from a Sikh Rajput family; his father is a writer, and he has a brother named Judge Huni.[1][8]His upbringing in this agrarian community exposed him to the vibrant traditions of Punjabifolk music from a young age, including rhythmic elements that would later influence his artistic style. During his school years, Singga developed an early interest in music, drawing inspiration from local forms like Bhangra and the growing popularity of hip-hop in the region.[1]
Academic background
Singga completed his secondary education in local schools in the Hoshiarpur district of Punjab around 2009-2010. He grew up in a modest environment that emphasized the value of education, supported by his family.[1]He then pursued higher education at a university in Punjab, obtaining a Master's degree (M.A.) in History. This academic path provided a structured foundation, allowing him to explore intellectual pursuits alongside his budding creative interests.[1]During his college years, around 2012, Singga began his musical journey by releasing his first work with friends, representing an informal foray into songwriting without access to professional resources or studios. This early experimentation highlighted the intersection of his academic life and emerging passion for music.[3]
Music career
Beginnings as lyricist
Singga adopted the stage name Singga in 2012, marking the start of his professional music career as a self-taught lyricist.[3]His early lyricism drew from influences in Punjabirap and folk traditions, shaping a distinctive style focused on storytelling and cultural narratives.[3]Singga achieved his breakthrough as a lyricist in September 2017 with the song "Badnam," performed by Mankirt Aulakh and featuring DJ Flow under Speed Records, which garnered significant attention in the Punjabi hip-hop scene and established his reputation for crafting relatable, edgy verses.[9][10]
Debut and breakthrough as singer
Singga's transition to performing as a lead vocalist was facilitated by his earlier success as a lyricist on the hit track "Badnam" in 2017, which garnered widespread acclaim and opened doors for his singing career.[3]In December 2018, he released his debut single "Jatt Di Clip 2," marking his entry as a singer in the Punjabimusic industry.[3] The song, featuring his signature rap delivery, blended hip-hop rhythms with traditional Punjabi elements, showcasing a fresh fusion that resonated with listeners. Initially receiving positive feedback for its bold lyrics and energetic vibe, the track achieved modest chart performance but effectively introduced Singga's distinctive style to a broader audience.[3]Building on this foundation, Singga followed up with singles "Sheh" in January 2019 and "Shadow" in November 2019, both of which further highlighted his lyrical prowess and vocal presence.[11][12] These releases gained traction through online streaming platforms and live performances, steadily cultivating a dedicated fanbase among Punjabi music enthusiasts during 2018 and 2019.[3]
Major releases and collaborations
Singga's breakthrough as a singer continued to build momentum with the 2019 release of "Photo," featuring Nikki Kaur and produced by Tru Makers, which quickly amassed over 177 million views on YouTube, propelling it to viral status within the Punjabi music scene.[13] The track's heartfelt lyrics and contemporary production resonated widely, establishing Singga as a prominent voice in romantic Punjabi ballads and expanding his reach among diaspora audiences.[14]In 2021, Singga marked a significant crossover into mainstream appeal with the single "Teri Load Ve," featuring Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela and composed by Ellde Fazilka.[15] Released under Speed Records, the song blended Punjabi folk elements with Bollywood-style visuals, achieving millions of streams and highlighting Singga's versatility in partnering with high-profile figures from Indian cinema.[16] This collaboration underscored his growing influence, bridging regional music with broader entertainment industry ties.Singga's profile further elevated through key partnerships with fellow Punjabi artists, including his collaboration with Afsana Khan on "Badmaashi 2," released in May 2020, which fused their vocal styles and received positive reception.[17] He also worked with producers like MixSingh on releases such as "CCTV" in 2020, with updated versions in 2025 incorporating hip-hop influences into Punjabi rhythms, and teamed up with Mankirt Aulakh on earlier hits that informed his evolving sound.[18] Other notable releases include "Brotherhood" in 2020, emphasizing themes of unity, and "Bachelors" in 2021, capturing youthful experiences. These efforts extended to live performances, with notable shows in Jammu and Chandigarh in 2025, where Singga delivered high-energy sets blending traditional and modern elements to enthusiastic crowds.[19] In 2025, singles like "Criminal" and "PPL (Proud Pendu Legacy)" further solidified his status, showcasing raw storytelling and cultural pride.[4]
Acting and film career
Film debut
Singga made his acting debut in the Punjabi film Jora: The Second Chapter, a sequel to the 2017 movie Jora 10 Numbaria, which was released theatrically on March 6, 2020.[20] Directed by Amardeep Singh Gill, the film explores themes of gangsters, police, and political intrigue in Punjab, with Deep Sidhu reprising the lead role of Jora.[21] Singga portrayed a supporting character, marking his transition from music to cinema, facilitated by his established presence in the Punjabimusic industry.[22]In addition to acting, Singga contributed significantly to the film's soundtrack, showcasing his multifaceted talents. He sang the high-energy track "Dalerian," which he also penned the lyrics for, with music composed by Desi Crew; the song was released on February 26, 2020, aligning with his birthday and building anticipation for the movie.[23] This involvement highlighted his ability to blend lyrical and vocal elements with the film's narrative of power and swag.[24]Singga's debut was met with positive anticipation, particularly for his intense on-screen entry in the teaser, which was seen as adding a dynamic edge to the ensemble cast including Dharmendra, Guggu Gill, and Mahie Gill.[25] His performance brought an authentic flair to the portrayal of contemporary Punjabiyouth culture, resonating within the context of regional cinema's evolving storytelling.[26]
Subsequent roles and contributions
Following his debut in Jora: The Second Chapter, Singga's acting career evolved with more prominent roles in Punjabi cinema, building on the confidence gained from his initial foray into film. In 2021, he took on his first lead role in the romantic comedyKade Haan Kade Naa, directed by Sunil Thakur and released on December 3.[27]In 2023, he starred in a lead role in the multi-language action filmMining - Reyte te Kabzaa, directed by Simranjit Singh Hundal and released on April 28. The movie, which explores the illegal sand mining mafia in Punjab through the story of two young men—Sukha and Rocky—vying for control in a criminal underworld, marked Singga's expansion into high-stakes action narratives.[28][29]Singga's role was noted as perfectly suited, bringing intensity to the action sequences.[29] Beyond acting, he contributed creatively to the film's soundtrack, lending his vocals to original songs such as "Afghan Di Rani" featuring Sweetaj Brar, which added emotional depth to the action-driven plot. The film's release in multiple regional languages, including Punjabi, Hindi, and others, highlighted its broader reach and Singga's growing versatility in ensemble casts.[30][31]In 2025, Singga appeared in the romantic drama Sayonee, directed by Simranjit Singh Hundal and released for streaming on June 27.[32] His performance trajectory showed notable growth, particularly in Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye, a comedy-drama where he played the power-packed role of Cheetah, earning acclaim for scenes reminiscent of established action stars like Akshay Kumar. Co-star Prince Kanwaljit Singh lauded his "stellar performance," reflecting Singga's maturation from singer-turned-actor to a more confident presence in diverse genres, including action-comedy blends. This evolution underscored his deepening impact in Punjabi cinema, with critics observing improved emotional range and screen command compared to earlier works.[33][34]
Other professional activities
Production and direction
Singga entered music production with his debut single "Jatt Di Clip 2," released in December 2018 under Single Track Studios, where he handled composition and contributed to the overall production process as an emerging artist in the Punjabi music scene.[3] As a self-identified producer, he managed key aspects of early releases, leveraging his multifaceted role to shape soundscapes that blended traditional Punjabi elements with contemporary beats, marking the start of his hands-on involvement in technical production from 2018 onward.[35]During the COVID-19 pandemic, Singga constructed a green-themed farmhouse in his hometown of Mahilpur, Hoshiarpur, Punjab, completing the project amid the 2021 lockdowns to create an eco-friendly space inspired by sustainable living and rural Punjabi heritage.[36] The farmhouse, featuring elements like a converted motor pump area into a small pool, a dedicated kitchen, park, and farming zones, served as a creative production hub where he dedicated time to refining his music and lyrics, using the serene environment to foster productivity and personal growth away from urban distractions.[36]In film direction, Singga made his debut with Fakkar in 2025, a project he conceived, wrote, directed, and produced under his own banner, Boss Boy Production, portraying a complex fakir character to explore themes of societal perception and resilience.[37] This directorial effort highlighted his vision for authentic North Indian storytelling, with extensive prosthetic makeup sessions—up to six to seven hours daily—to embody the role, emphasizing his commitment to immersive production logistics in independent cinema.[7]
Songwriting and composition
Singga's entry into songwriting came through his role as a lyricist, with his breakthrough track "Badnam" (2017), a collaboration with Mankirt Aulakh, where he penned the lyrics that captured themes of notoriety and street life in Punjabi culture.[3] This early work established his reputation for sharp, narrative-driven verses rooted in personal experiences from his Ludhiana upbringing.In film projects, Singga contributed lyrics to "Dalerian" from Jora: The Second Chapter (2020), infusing the song with energetic, folk-inspired rhythms that complemented the movie's rural Punjabi setting.[38] His songwriting often draws from traditional Punjabi storytelling traditions, emphasizing emotional depth and cultural references, as seen in collaborations like "Brotherhood" (2018) with Mankirt Aulakh.[35]Transitioning to composition, Singga has taken full creative control on numerous solo tracks, blending his lyrical prowess with melodic arrangements. For instance, in "Badnam Munda" (2021), he composed the music alongside writing and performing, merging upbeat hip-hop beats with classic Punjabifolk melodies to create a high-energy anthem.[39] Similarly, "Same Same" (2022) features his composition, characterized by trap-influenced production that amplifies themes of self-identity.[40]His compositional style has evolved to fuse traditional Punjabi elements—such as folk vocal inflections and bhangra rhythms—with modern hip-hop and trap influences, resulting in a signature sound that appeals to global diaspora audiences.[41] Recent works like "295 X 2" (2024) and "Criminal" (2025) exemplify this maturation, where Singga handles composition to layer introspective lyrics over dynamic, bass-heavy tracks.[42][4] By 2025, his credited songwriting and composition efforts span dozens of releases and collaborations, prioritizing authenticity over commercial trends.[6]
Personal life
Relationships and residences
Singga remains unmarried as of 2025, with media reports and biographical profiles indicating no confirmed romantic partners despite occasional rumors of past relationships.[1][43]Following his education, Singga has maintained close family ties with his Sikh Rajput relatives in Punjab, where he was raised in a supportive environment that emphasized cultural and educational values. In March 2025, he publicly raised concerns about his and his family's safety after receiving threats, leading him to change residences 2–3 times while questioning the adequacy of police protection.[8]Singga's primary residence is based in Punjab, reflecting his deep roots in the region. In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he completed construction on a green-themed farmhouse in his hometown of Mahilpur, Hoshiarpur, designed as a sustainable living space incorporating eco-friendly elements such as a farming area, park, and small swimming pool to promote a balanced, nature-oriented lifestyle.[36]
Philanthropy and public image
Singga has engaged in several philanthropic efforts, particularly in response to natural disasters affecting Punjab. In September 2025, he contributed to flood relief initiatives in the region, supporting affected communities through donations and collaboration with organizations like the Helping Hand Foundation, which highlighted his actions as a source of inspiration for community solidarity.[44]His commitment to environmental causes is evident in personal initiatives that promote sustainable living, including the eco-friendly farmhouse he constructed in Mahilpur, Hoshiarpur, during the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown. The project features elements like a converted motor pump area into a swimming pool, a dedicated farming zone, and overall green design principles aimed at reducing environmental impact. In interviews, he emphasized the importance of such practices, stating that "sustainable living is important as that's how we can do something for our planet," positioning the project as a model for eco-conscious lifestyles.[36]Publicly, Singga is regarded as a multifaceted artist who seamlessly blends traditional Punjabi elements with modern influences in his music, acting, and production work, earning acclaim for his authenticity and versatility across genres. This image is reinforced by his advocacy for mental wellness, equality, and resilience; in December 2024, he openly shared his personal battle with depression and how he overcame it, encouraging fans to seek help and embrace positivity amid challenges.[45][3] By November 2025, his social media presence had grown substantially, with over 6 million followers on Instagram, reflecting his broad appeal and ability to connect with global audiences through heartfelt content.[46]
Controversies
Legal incidents
In August 2021, Punjabi singer Manpreet Singh, known professionally as Singga, and his friend were booked by the Mohalipolice for allegedly firing gunshots in the air outside a housing complex in Sector 70, Mohali, Punjab.[47] The incident, captured on video, showed the duo in a moving vehicle, leading to an FIR under relevant sections of the Indian Arms Act for unauthorized use of firearms.[47] No injuries were reported, and the case highlighted concerns over celebratory firing at public events in the region.[47]In August 2023, Kapurthala city police registered an FIR against Singga and four associates, including music producer Desi Crew, for promoting gun culture and obscenity through his song "Still Alive."[48] The complaint, filed by the Bhim Rao Yuva Force organization, alleged that the lyrics and visuals glorified weapons and contained indecent language, violating Sections 294 (obscene acts) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.[49] The case stemmed from a viral music video, prompting calls for stricter regulation of Punjabi music content amid broader debates on mediainfluence.[48] In December 2023, Singga alleged police inaction in the matter, claiming a Rs 10-lakh bribe was demanded to settle the FIR and that threats were made to remove him from stages if unpaid; he highlighted the issue via a Facebook live session, after which Kapurthalapolice stated an investigation would be conducted.[50]In early 2025, Singga publicly expressed concerns over ongoing threats to his family's safety and perceived police surveillance, which forced him to relocate residences multiple times within Punjab.[51] He detailed in social media posts that unidentified vehicles had been trailing him for months, leading to at least two or three house changes to evade potential harm, and questioned the Punjab Police's role in ensuring protection.[52] While no formal FIR was immediately filed for these threats, the disclosures amplified discussions on the security vulnerabilities faced by public figures in the Punjabi entertainmentindustry.[51]
Industry disputes
In late 2024, Singga publicly addressed the escalating feud between fellow Punjabi artists Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon, which stemmed from allegations of social media blocking during a concert. In an interview, he described the conflict as a "silly controversy" arising from misunderstandings and urged the industry to prioritize brotherhood over rivalry. Singga emphasized, "Hum sab me bhaichara hai, and we all are together. Competition gives birth to jealousy and collaboration gives birth to success," while calling for collective efforts to dominate the music scene without tarnishing its reputation.[53]Earlier that year, in January 2024, Singga weighed in on the controversy between Karan Aujla and Raka, which involved accusations of song beat plagiarism and led to the removal of Raka's track "On My Own" from YouTube. Through social media lives and statements, Singga positioned himself as a mediator, advocating for resolution and focus on artistic growth rather than public disputes. He highlighted the need for artists to support one another amid rising tensions, aligning with his broader push for unity in Punjabi music.[54]In a January 2025 episode of the RealTalk podcast, Singga revealed broader insights into the Punjabi music industry's inner workings, critiquing common concert practices without targeting individuals. He discussed pausing participation in small-scale events like weddings and fairs to pursue larger productions, arguing that an overreliance on frequent, low-effort performances hinders professional development. Singga stressed elevating presentation and mindset to match global standards, noting a positive industry shift toward high-impact shows driven by evolving artist ambitions.[55]
Discography
Lead singles
Singga's lead singles as a primary artist have showcased his evolution from lyricist to versatile performer in Punjabi music, often blending hip-hop rhythms with emotional storytelling and self-penned lyrics. These tracks frequently feature collaborations with producers like Ellde Fazilka and Western Penduz, emphasizing themes of pride, romance, and street life."Jatt Di Clip 2," released in December 2018, served as Singga's debut single, with music by Western Penduz and lyrics composed by Singga himself. The hip-hop-infused track, highlighting Jatt culture and bravado, accumulated 41 million plays on YouTube Music, establishing his solo presence.[56][57]In August 2019, "Sheh" featuring Ellde Fazilka was released, a romantic Punjabi pop song with music by Ellde Fazilka and lyrics by Singga. It achieved massive streaming success, surpassing 373 million views on its official music video and topping regional charts like those on JioSaavn.[58]"Photo," released in May 2019 and featuring Nikki Kaur, marked another key release in the romantic genre, with Singga handling vocals and lyrics while Ellde Fazilka provided the composition. The track garnered over 177 million views on YouTube and was recognized as a top-charting hit in Punjabi music platforms.[13][59]"Bachelors," released in March 2019, is a lead single with music by MixSingh and lyrics by Singga, exploring themes of single life and independence, achieving significant plays on platforms like YouTube.[60]"Teri Load Ve," a 2021 Valentine's Day release in February featuring Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela, blended pop and hip-hop elements with music by Ellde Fazilka and lyrics by Singga. It quickly exceeded 5 million views on YouTube within days of launch, appealing to a broader audience through its crossover casting.[15][61]By 2025, Singga continued releasing self-composed lead singles, such as "PPL (Proud Pendu Legacy)" in August, a hip-hop track produced in collaboration with CREW 47 that explores cultural heritage, and "Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye (Title Track 2 Welcoming)" in August, the title track for the 2025 film of the same name in which he stars. "Criminal" followed in September, emphasizing gritty narratives with over 1 million views on its video shortly after release. These later works highlight his production involvement and sustained chart relevance on platforms like Spotify.[62][63][64][4]
Featured appearances and credits
Singga has provided featured vocals on various Punjabi tracks by other artists, showcasing his versatility in collaborations that blend trap-influenced beats with lyrical storytelling. In 2018, he appeared on Mankirt Aulakh's "Brotherhood," a high-energy anthem celebrating camaraderie that amassed millions of streams on platforms like Spotify. Similarly, that year, Singga featured on Aulakh's "Youth," a track emphasizing youthful rebellion and street culture, produced by MixSingh.[65]Moving into the 2020s, Singga's guest appearances continued to highlight his rising influence in the Punjabi music scene. His 2021 collaboration on Deep Chahal's "Ki Tusi Jande O?" delivered a confrontational narrative on fame and scrutiny, with Singga co-writing the lyrics alongside Chahal and contributing a dynamic verse.[66] That same year, he joined Gill Manuke and Gurlej Akhtar on "Raund 2.0," an upbeat remix updating the original with fresh flows and production, appealing to fans of party anthems.[67] These features underscore Singga's role in elevating collaborative projects without taking the lead.In addition to vocal contributions, Singga has earned writing credits on songs performed by other artists, often infusing them with raw, introspective Punjabi lyricism. His breakthrough came in 2017 as the lyricist for Mankirt Aulakh's "Badnam," a controversial hit critiquing societal hypocrisy that propelled Singga's recognition in the industry.[68] He extended this talent to "Youth" and "Brotherhood" in 2018, crafting verses that captured themes of ambition and loyalty for Aulakh's releases.[69]While Singga frequently composes for his own projects, his non-lead composer roles remain selective, focusing on select collaborations where he shapes the sonic landscape. For instance, in "Ki Tusi Jande O?" (2021), Singga co-contributed to the compositional elements alongside producer Akash Jandu, blending heavy bass and melodic hooks to match the track's aggressive tone.[70] These credits reflect his broader impact on Punjabi music's evolving sound.
Filmography
As actor
Singga entered the Punjabi film industry as an actor with a supporting role in the action drama Jora: The Second Chapter (2020), directed by Amardeep Singh Gill, where he portrayed a rapper character alongside leads Deep Sidhu and Japji Khaira.[25][21]In 2021, he took on his first lead role as Laddi in the romantic comedy Kade Haan Kade Naa, directed by Sunil Thakur, opposite Sanjana Singh, exploring themes of love and confusion in relationships.[27][71]Singga starred in the 2022 action film Ziddi Jatt Chapter 1, directed by himself, alongside Ranjha Vikram Singh and Sara Gurpal, tackling themes of illegal sand mining and rebellion.[72][73]Singga played the lead antagonist in the 2023 action thriller Mining - Reyte te Kabzaa, directed by Simranjit Singh Hundal, depicting the gritty world of illegal sand mining alongside Ranjha Vikram Singh and Sara Gurpal.[28][29]He starred as the male lead in the 2025 romantic drama Sayonee, directed by Imran Sheikh, alongside Sharan Kaur, in a story about a thief whose life changes upon meeting a woman.[32][74]In the family comedy Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye (2025), directed by Aditya Sood, Singga portrayed the character Cheetah in a power-packed performance, sharing the screen with Prince Kanwaljit Singh and Twinkle Arora.[33][75]Singga will star in the lead role in the upcoming 2025 film Fakkar, which he also wrote, directed, and produced under his banner Boss Boy Production, featuring extensive prosthetic makeup for his intense character portrayal.[7]
As composer or lyricist
Singga has contributed to Punjabi film soundtracks primarily as a lyricist, penning words for title tracks and key songs that blend urban swagger with traditional Punjabi themes, often performing as the lead vocalist as well. His lyrical style emphasizes bold narratives of resilience and identity, aligning with his broader artistic persona in the industry.[76]In the 2019 comedy-drama Ardab Mutiyaran, Singga wrote the lyrics for the title track, a high-energy anthem featuring actors Sonam Bajwa and Ajay Sarkaria, which captures the film's themes of rural empowerment and romance. The song, produced with music by Desi Crew, marked one of his early forays into film lyricism and helped underscore the movie's lighthearted yet assertive tone.[76][77]That same year, for the action thriller Blackia, Singga served as lyricist for "Blackia Meets Singga," a promotional track that integrates his rap-infused verses to highlight the protagonist's gritty persona, with music composed by Desi Crew. The song's raw, confrontational lyrics contributed to the film's underground vibe, reflecting Singga's signature mix of bravado and cultural pride.[78]Singga's role expanded in the 2020 sequel Jora: The Second Chapter, where he wrote the lyrics for "Dalerian," a motivational track emphasizing bravery and legacy, sung by himself over music by Desi Crew. This contribution tied into the film's narrative of familial honor and revenge, showcasing his ability to craft verses that resonate with the story's emotional core.[79][80]While Singga has composed music for several independent music videos and singles, his film work has focused more on lyricism, with compositions typically handled by collaborators like Desi Crew. These efforts highlight his growing influence in Punjabi cinema's musical landscape, where he bridges contemporary rap elements with cinematic storytelling.[6]