Toronto — In a landmark moment for South Asian representation in global academia, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has announced a new university-level course centred around actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh. The course will be offered through The Creative School at TMU and is scheduled to begin in Fall 2026, officials confirmed during the Billboard Summit at NXNE in Toronto.
The course will focus on the cultural, musical, and diasporic relevance of Dosanjh’s body of work, analyzing his journey from regional artist to global music phenomenon.
“Diljit Dosanjh’s rise illustrates the cultural influence and economic potential of Punjabi music on the world stage,” said Dr. Charlie Wall-Andrews, Assistant Professor at The Creative School. “By examining his impact, students will explore how regional sounds shape global pop culture, mobilize diasporic communities and contribute to sustainable creative economies rooted in authenticity.”
🔹 More Than Music: A Symbol of Identity and Representation
Sonali Singh, CEO of Ripple Effects, who is helping shape the course, emphasized its deeper significance:
“His journey represents far more than commercial success. It stands for cultural pride, creative freedom and global representation for Punjabi and South Asian communities.”
She added that the academic recognition of Dosanjh’s impact is “long overdue.”
🔹 From Punjab to Coachella
Diljit Dosanjh began his career in 2002 and rose to stardom in Punjabi music with chart-topping albums. His 11th album G.O.A.T. marked his entry into the Billboard Social 50 chart, and his acting prowess shone through in films like Udta Punjab, Good Newzz, and Amar Singh Chamkila.
In 2023, Dosanjh made history as the first Punjabi artist to perform at Coachella, gaining global acclaim and shattering barriers for South Asian performers.
This course marks a powerful shift in how South Asian cultural figures are being studied and celebrated in global educational institutions, particularly in how diaspora identities contribute to mainstream cultural narratives.