In a historic and vibrant ceremony that reflected the diverse tapestry of America, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City on a freezing New Year's morning. The event, held on January 2, 2026, was marked by a powerful multicultural playlist, with Sikh rapper Babbu Singh delivering a memorable performance that became a talking point.
A Playlist for the Many Americas
After taking the oath of office with one hand on the Quran, held by his wife, artist Ruwa Duwaji, the 34-year-old mayor stepped into his new role to the sounds of a truly American medley. The musical lineup was a conscious celebration of New York's multiplicity. Sudanese-born DJ mOma handled the console, actor Javier Muñoz sang the national anthem, and Mandy Patinkin performed 'Over the Rainbow'. However, it was the set by Brampton-based Sikh artist Babbu Singh, also known as Babbulicious, that captured a unique spirit.
As confetti filled the air outside City Hall, Singh, sporting a bright pink turban, took the stage. He creatively adapted his popular track 'Brampton vich munda rainda (Gaddi Red Challenger)' to celebrate the new mayor. Flipping the lyrics, he wove in the names of New York boroughs—Manhattan, Bronx, Harlem, and Staten Island—singing "New York vich munda rainda" to cheers from the crowd. Mayor Mamdani himself stood by, grinning, singing along, and applauding as the Punjabi beats pulsed through the cold air.
Imperfect Sound, Perfect Moment
Known for hits like 'Khand Mishri' and 'Good Life', Babbu Singh's live performance included moments where he drifted off-key. Yet, this imperfection did little to dampen the energy. The audience, braving frigid temperatures, roared in enjoyment, embracing the raw, celebratory moment. The performance symbolized a space where different languages and cultures could unite, even rock 'n' roll to Punjabi music.
The playlist also featured a nod to global fusion with Labh Janjua's 'Mundian to bach ke'—famously remixed by Jay-Z—further cementing the event's theme of cultural convergence.
The Artist Behind the Performance
Babbu Singh is a multifaceted Canadian artist—a comedian, designer, children's book author, and the owner of a design and film agency with his brother Harman. He left art school at 19 to pursue creating videos, finding online fame through skits and music videos aimed at raising awareness about the Sikh community in the West.
He often collaborates with Canadian YouTube star Jasmeet Singh (JusReign), blending humor with social commentary on the South Asian immigrant experience. One of his famous personas, 'Khalsa Uncle', is based on a boisterous Sikh man he met during former Canadian MP Jagmeet Singh's campaign.
Online Reactions and Misplaced Hate
As clips of his inauguration performance went viral, they also attracted a wave of misguided hate and misinformation online. Several social media users incorrectly assumed Singh was Muslim and directed Islamophobic rhetoric at him. One post falsely claimed the event featured "music that's not even in English and Muslim men on stage." Another X user erroneously stated there was "a Muslim rapper singing in Arabic."
These reactions starkly contrasted with the event's intended message of inclusive celebration, highlighting the very prejudices the performance sought to bridge through art and shared experience.
The inauguration of Zohran Mamdani, set against a soundtrack of diverse American voices, was more than a political ceremony. It was a statement. The presence of artists like Babbu Singh, alongside voices from Puerto Rican, African, and other communities, painted a vivid picture of a modern, pluralistic New York. Despite the cold and the occasional off-key note, the warmth of the collective moment—and the conversations it sparked—resonated far beyond the steps of City Hall.
