“This one’s going to get you dancing around."
A playlist of Punjabi songs is characterised by catchy tunes, energetic beats and lyrics that often revolve around love and celebration.
Punjab is a vibrant region of Northern India and is well known for its rich cultural heritage, which is beautifully reflected in its music.
Punjabi music as a form is extremely diverse, with songs from classic artists such as Diljit Dosanjh to more contemporary artists like Panjabi MC.
If you are new to Punjabi music and want to build a party playlist, here are 15 Punjabi songs to help you get started!
Hai Hai (Original Mix) – Punjabi Hit Squad, Ms Scandalous
‘Hai Hai’ by Punjabi Hit Squad and Ms Scandalous is an energetic and chart-busting track that seamlessly blends Punjabi and Desi beats with contemporary UK sounds.
Punjabi Hit Squad are comprised of the successful DJ and production team, Rav & Dee. These two are an iconic Brit-Asian music duo.
‘Hai Hai’ has a groundbreaking sound, due to the fusion of South Asian roots with multiple elements of UK Garage, House, and Drum and Bass.
Ms Scandalous, the vocalist, has played a key role in breaking stereotypes and empowering women in the male-dominated music industry and you can hear her confidence in the song.
Main Ho Gaya Sharaabi – Punjabi MC, Ashok Gill
Ashok Gill is a versatile artist who joins forces with the inimitable Punjabi MC.
They combine their talent to create an unmissable chartbuster.
‘Main Ho Gaya Sharaabi’ by Punjabi MC and Ashok Gill is essential on your party playlist.
The song tells the story of a man who has become drunk due to a love interest at a party.
He sees her dancing and falls in love with her. He becomes so intoxicated that he must proclaim his love for her.
The chorus repeats multiple times, emphasising how “sharaabi” (drunk) he is.
This is one of the Punjabi songs that belongs on a party playlist. Whether you are drinking or not, it is an upbeat number to dance to.
Moorni – Panjabi MC
The song ‘Moorni’ is an upbeat song with a fast-paced tempo which will raise the vibes at any party.
The track is about a beautiful woman (Moorni) who has captured male attention and infatuated men with her charm.
The lyrics go: “Got me feeling so crazy!”
This emphasises how infatuated this man really is.
‘Moorni’ is a fun and energetic song that not only celebrates the beauty of Punjabi women but also makes you want to get up and dance.
The compelling pre-chorus builds suspense and anticipation for the chorus, which results in a rewarding listen.
So why not add it to your playlist and bust out some Bhangra moves?
Patiala Peg – Diljit Dosanjh
Diljit Dosanjh is a name you will be seeing multiple times on this list and for a good reason.
Diljit is an extremely famous singer, with his popularity skyrocketing as an actor, setting, and breaking records for Punjabi films.
From the years 2011 to 2019, he is credited for having the maximum number of Punjabi films that shattered opening box office records.
For example, some of his hit films are Jatt and Juliet (2012), Jogi (2022), and Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya (2012).
‘Patiala Peg’ is a legendary song and if this is not on your playlist then you should add it as soon as possible.
Brown Munde – AP Dhillon, Gminxr, Gurinder Gill, Shinda Kahlon
AP Dhillon is from Punjab, India and can be considered a musical prodigy.
With music influenced by R&B, hip-hop, pop and dance, his music has accumulated over five billion streams across multiple platforms.
‘Brown Munde’ charted at No. 1 on the Spotify India charts, clearly showcasing his popularity amongst the Desi community.
This song also went viral on TikTok and Instagram, which increased its familiarity.
‘Brown Munde’ is a catchy song with an addictive bass that will make you want to blast the tune at any party.
Chauffeur – Diljit Dosanjh, Tory Lanez, Ikky
‘Chauffeur’ is a Desi song and is a “perfect example of east meets west” which is in collaboration with the Canadian rapper Tory Lanez.
Music reviewer, DJ Munks, states: “The composition is super impressive and of mainstream standard.
“The overall experience that this song offers is pretty high rolling and puts Ikky and Diljit in the top international league.”
The feature of Tony Lanez takes this track up a notch with his ability to flow on any beat.
Especially with this being a Desi song, his skill puts him levels above other Western rappers on the music scene.
Diljit’s vocal skill in this song and his ability to harmonise with Tory whilst they are speaking two different languages is skilful and cannot be disregarded.
Feel My Love – Diljit Dosanjh, Intense
This song contrasts drastically with ‘Patiala Peg’.
One of the most melancholic Punjabi songs, this track is about a man who is mourning the love that he had with a woman who has broken his heart.
Diljit sings about how his mind revolved around this woman and that he could not get her out of his head due to the memories they shared.
Although the lyrics of this song are sad, the tempo is fast and upbeat with some recognisable elements of house music.
The kick-clap and drum patterns in this song give it a groovy feel, making it perfect for a Punjabi party playlist.
Amplifier – Imran Khan
‘Amplifier’ has a progressive repetitive chord pattern combined with bass which is a recipe for a bop.
Imran Khan is a Dutch singer and rapper, who performs songs in both English and Punjabi.
Khan’s unique style of music has been recognised in many different magazines and TV stations across the UK, for example, Brit Asia TV, BBC and B4U.
In 2010, he was awarded with the Anokhi Magazine’s “Musical Artist of The Year” award for best male artist.
His album ‘Unforgettable’ consisted of three singles, ‘Bewafa’, ‘Amplifier’ and ‘Ni Nachleh’ and it was nominated for the 2010 UK Asian Music Award.
His successes show the talent he holds as an artist, and why this song deserves a spot on your playlist.
Picha Ni Chad De – Panjabi MC
This song is about a man who is struggling to give up drinking.
The lyrics of ‘Picha Ni Chad De’ are smart and comical.
The wife complains about the husband drinking and it switches to the alcohol convincing him to continue drinking.
The Desi Record on YouTube discusses:
“This song is absolutely epic, Panjabi MC smashed it on all accounts, and the production was unreal.
“Panjabi MC is a musical genius. Every single record he releases has a monumental hit on it.”
Gora Gora – Panjabi MC
As discussed previously, Panjabi MC is on a whole different level when it comes to making and producing music, and this shows in ‘Gora Gora’.
The use of the Dhol brings true South-Asian culture to the song, with the feature of the infamous Warren G bringing a contemporary modern twist.
Authors of bhangaratapedeck write:
“This guy knows how to make a banger. Fact”.
Listen to it and find out why the words of the authors ring true.
Bom Diggy – Zack Knight, Jasmin Walia
Zack Knight was born in Grimsby to a Punjabi mother and an Afro-Asian father.
He uses his influences from both sides of his heritage and upbringing to form his unique sound.
‘Bom Diggy’ is a No. 1 Billboard hit in India, with over 800 million views on YouTube.
This track belongs on a Desi party playlist, with a perfect balance of English and Punjabi. Even non-Punjabi speakers will enjoy it.
Jasmin Walia’s voice beautifully compliments Zack Knight, with the two of them singing on this track sounding angelic.
Let’s not discredit the amazing production of this song.
The chords on the keyboard to the kick drums are another reason to add it to your playlist.
Gabru – Yo Yo Honey Singh, J-Star
Yo Yo Honey Singh is a hit singer, rapper and music producer from Karampura, New Delhi.
The track ‘Gabru’ topped the Asian music charts, including the official BBC Asian charts in 2012.
J-Star’s vocals, mixed with the Bhangra sound of the song make it a Punjabi classic.
You will definitely be bouncing with some Bhangra moves to this song.
Therefore, this is another classic song that needs a space on your Desi party playlist.
High Heels – Jaz Dhami, Yo Yo Honey Singh
Continuing with the energetic Yo Yo Honey Singh, we arrive at this upbeat song.
‘High Heels’ is an urban dance track that will get you addicted to its high tempo and drums.
This song is put together by one of the biggest producers in India and a big Desi rapper in the music scene, Yo Yo Honey Singh.
Times of India states: “Jaz Dhami wanted to create something fresh, something we wouldn’t expect, and he’s done just that.”
‘High Heels’ introduced a Desi sound that was unique and risque for the time of release but is also timeless as it is still a well-known track today.
Do You Know – Diljit Dosanjh
Although the tempo of this track is slower than other Punjabi songs, it is certainly a track that you can sing your heart out to at a party.
In an interview, Diljit explains: “Most of my songs are beat numbers, but this is a proper romantic track. It’s a Punjabi song.”
This song may get you into your feelings and it would certainly be great for karaoke. You can channel your inner romantic Diljit Dosanjh.
9:45 – Prabh Singh, Jay Trak, Rooh Sandhu
Prabh Singh is a Punjabi-Canadian hip-hop artist who has pushed forward the wave of Desi diaspora pop and rap.
Prabh stands tall along with other artists in the movement of modern Punjabi music including hip-hop and rap, building devoted audiences in both South Asia and the West.
In this song, he creates a unique meld with Jay Trak and Rooh Sandhu.
‘9:45’ is a romantic track about a man who is describing an attractive woman who he wants to be in a relationship with.
The 808s, which are low-frequency bass/percussion sounds, in this song make you want to continue listening.
Mundian to Bach Ke – Panjabi MC
Finally, we come to ‘Mundian to Bach Ke’ by Panjabi MC.
Chris Nettleton from ‘Drowned in Sound’ reviews this single: “This is a work of art.”
This track is a pure old-school hip-hop record, blended with the roots and ingredients of Asian music.
Satbir* highlights the popularity of this song among older generations.
He explained how this song rose from the clubs whilst sounding completely different to anything else in the charts.
Chris Nettleton continues in his review: “This one’s going to get you dancing around like a wild thing!”
Punjabi songs on a party playlist need to have vibrant energy and infectious beats to make any celebration unforgettable.
The songs highlighted in this article offer a perfect blend of classic Punjabi music mixed with contemporary genres such as house, hip-hop and garage.
This ensures that everyone, from avid Bollywood fans to casual listeners, can find joy on the dance floor.
When curating your playlist, remember that music is about bringing people together and creating lasting memories.
So, turn up the volume and party in true Punjabi style.
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