Rapper Ikka Singh has recently captured attention for his staunch defense of the ticket prices for Diljit Dosanjh’s live concerts, particularly amidst a wave of criticism regarding their high costs. This dialogue arises in conjunction with his debut as a judge on the popular talent show MTV Hustle 4, where he shares the panel with fellow rapper Raftaar. In an exclusive interview with India Today Digital, Ikka passionately elaborated on the significant role that live performances play in shaping the careers of contemporary artists like Karan Aujla and Diljit Dosanjh, underscoring how these events have propelled them to remarkable stardom.
Ikka expressed his admiration for the evolving landscape of live concerts in India, stating, "Live shows itna grand bana diya hai inn logo ne (They have made live shows so grand). Look at Diljit; he's already performing at Coachella. We would have never even imagined that happening for desi artists. As artists hailing from our culture, we are incredibly proud of them; they inspire us every single day." His words reflect a sense of pride and joy in witnessing the success of Indian musicians on international platforms, emphasizing the broad appeal they have cultivated both domestically and abroad.
In discussing the economic realities of the music industry, Ikka was candid about the challenges faced by artists regarding revenue generation. "Paisa toh show se hi banta hai (The money is from these shows only)," he asserted, highlighting that Bollywood often does not adequately compensate musicians for their contributions. While he acknowledged that record labels provide some financial backing, he pointed out that high operational costs frequently leave little for the artists themselves. “The lump sum amount comes from events only. While recordings are more like oral exams, shows are practical tests. That’s when you understand the pulse of the audience and their emotions towards you,” he explained, elucidating the vital connection that artists forge with their fans during live performances.
In light of the recent backlash over the rising ticket prices, Ikka firmly defended Diljit, affirming that the artist truly deserves the elevated rates due to his relentless dedication and hard work. "Woh banda deserve karta hai. Usne bohot mehnat ki hai (That man deserves it; he has worked really hard). I have seen him perform at small colleges in Haryana and even akhadas. He has hustled so much and deserves every bit of this recognition," he emphasized. Additionally, Ikka drew attention to the high production quality of Diljit’s shows, describing them as world-class experiences that offer immense value to the fans in attendance. “If not him, who will ask for that price?” he queried, underlining the significant investment that artists make in delivering exceptional performances.
Moreover, Ikka articulated his bewilderment regarding what he perceives as a double standard in the audience's approach to ticket pricing. He remarked, “I don’t understand this hypocrisy. People who don’t even know Coldplay were buying their concert tickets but are questioning Diljit. Just because he’s Indian, desi hai aur apna hai (is local and one of our own), they don’t want to pay.” This statement sheds light on the cultural biases that may exist within audiences, suggesting that a local artist may face undue scrutiny compared to their international counterparts, regardless of the quality or experience offered.
As Ikka embarks on his new role as a judge on MTV Hustle 4, he not only advocates for the hard work and talent of artists like Diljit Dosanjh but also champions the growing importance of live performances within the Indian music scene. His participation in the show, which airs every weekend on MTV, further reflects the platform's commitment to celebrating and promoting diverse talent within the industry. Through his insights and advocacy, Ikka is contributing to a broader dialogue about the value of live music, the dedication of artists, and the need for audiences to recognize and support local talent in an increasingly globalized entertainment landscape.
