Why did the organizers of Metro Vancouver’s 5X Festival book the Punjabi gangster-rapper Sidhu Moosewala in the first place given the singer’s history of concert violence  but the RCMP had the good sense to shut the door on Moosewala, denying permission to the new festival from the guys who brought you VIBC. “The Surrey RCMP have deemed Sidhu a public safety risk and asked that he be removed from the festival,” said Tarun Nayar, Executive Director at Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC).

SURREY – Why did the organizers of Metro Vancouver’s 5X Festival book the Punjabi gangster-rapper Sidhu Moosewala in the first place given the singer’s history of concert violence  but the RCMP had the good sense to shut the door on Moosewala, denying permission to the new festival from the guys who brought you VIBC.

Festival organizers said they have removed Moose Wala from their lineup over concerns from the RCMP.

Moose Wala — who is known for fusing hip-hop and Punjabi beats with macho bravado lyrics that sometimes glorify violence — was scheduled to perform at the South Asian music, art, film, and fashion event in Surrey.

Earlier this year, there was a stabbing at the singer’s concert in Surrey and shots fired at his show in Calgary.

5X Festival organizers told Daily Hive that due to “circumstances outside of [their] control Sidhu Moose Wala will no longer perform at the upcoming 5X Fest Block Party.”

“The Surrey RCMP have deemed Sidhu a public safety risk and asked that he be removed from the festival,” said Tarun Nayar, Executive Director at Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC).

“Although we disagree with their conclusion, public safety is always our number one priority, and we have agreed to remove Sidhu from our lineup in order to focus on producing another great 5X Festival.”

Some took issue with 5X Festival for booking Moosewala in the first place given that many of his shows have led to violence.

Some in the community took issue with 5X Festival for booking Moosewala in the first place given that many of his shows have led to violence.

“These guys (5X Festival) are getting a lot of public-arts money to put this event on for South Asian youngsters and the message they are sending out is that they are okay with Punjabi gangster-rappers-singers like Moosewala. We are trying to stop gang violence and violent behaviour in our community and this is not how public funds should be spent,” said one angry community leader, who wanted to remain anonymous.

outh Asian youngsters and the message they are sending out is that they are okay with Punjabi gangster-rappers like Moosewala. We are trying to stop gang violence and violent behaviour in our community and this is not how public funds should be spent,” said one community leader.

Cpl. Elenore Sturko with Surrey RCMP clarified that Moose Wala was not ordered by police not to perform.

She said Surrey RCMP provided the city information regarding a “significant incident” that occurred at the singer’s February concert. Sturko said Mounties made recommendations to the city based on public interest but RCMP did not say the singer was a public safety risk.

“We make assessments based on public safety,” she said.

The City of Surrey confirmed to Daily Hive that it requested the festival’s promoter to “modify their entertainment lineup.”

Laurie Cavan, GM of Parks, Recreation and Culture for the City of Surrey, provided the following statement:

“Given the public safety issues that have occurred at past performances, which included a stabbing at a concert in Surrey and shots fired at an event in Calgary earlier this year, the City’s Festival Events Team felt that is was not in the best interest of public safety to support this performance at a family friendly, all ages event. As a result, the team requested the event promoter to modify their entertainment lineup.”