“I don’t regret anything… some things maybe I miss my parents, maybe I wish I spent more time with them, stuff like that… but otherwise whatever journey I went through, what I went through in life… If I didn’t go through that, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking right now,” – Jazzy B

Jaswinder Singh Bains, better known by his stage name Jazzy B, is an acclaimed Canadian Punjabi singer and songwriter. One of the most influential Bhangra singers in India, Jazzy B has released over 12 studio albums throughout his career. Jazzy B is widely credited for popularizing Bhangra music in India and bringing a unique flavour to the Punjabi music scene. The Universal Radio Network’s very own Sapreet Buttar had the chance to sit down with Jazzy B to discuss the early stages of his career, the ups and downs of the industry, paving the way for future South Asian artists and much more in this special interview.

At the beginning of their sitdown, Sapreet and Jazzy B talk about how it feels being in the industry for 30 years (1:11), on if his initial inspiration would have such a global impact (2:17), what it would be like if Jazzy B entered the music industry today instead of 30 years ago (3:10), if he didn’t pave the way for other South Asian Artists back then, would it still be easier to get a foot into the industry (4:25), how he dealt with the highs and lows of his career and the continued growth (5:57), and if experiencing the lows early on helped maintain his drive and passion to where it is today (7:54). Next Jazzy B then discusses how he protected himself mentally through the ups and downs (9:14), why he decided to go to the UK early in his career (12:04), how we can support the up and coming talent in Canada and give them an environment they can thrive in (15:21), and how to get more South Asians in unconventional career choices and pathways (16:34). Finally, Sapreet and Jazzy B dive into how Jazzy B stayed true to himself amidst societal and cultural expectations (21:17), his newest album (24:03), then Sapreet tests Jazzy B’s knowledge on all the tracks he has made throughout his career (27:00).