Steel Banglez trying to keep legacy alive

Jeff Rogers A man sitting in a car, looking outside with a serious expression. he is wearing a black jacket. — Producer Steel Banglez says he’s been inspired to make his “best ever music”

The sudden death of Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala made an impact on many around the world.

For those who knew him, it hit even harder.

Close friend Steel Banglez says it took “months” before he was ready to return to music.

His latest track, Attach, is a tribute to Moose Walla, who Steel Banglez credits with inspiring him to make his “best music ever”.

The video for the song, which includes the artist’s last-ever appearance, has been viewed millions of times.

Steel Banglez has worked with the likes of Burna Boy, J Hus, Rudimental and Dave and says he wants to keep Sidhu Moose Wala’s music “legacy going”.

“Knowing our relationship, knowing what he was like, knowing what we spoke about.

“I know he would want me to do my thing,” the 37-year-old tells BBC Asian Network.

“So with that acceptance… it’s just put me in a place to go and achieve more.”

Moose Wala was killed in 2022 and while being considered by some as a divisive and controversial figure, he was also a household name in his home country, gaining international recognition with a music legacy that has endured.

Steel Banglez describes the pair as “like best friends” and says he feels a responsibility to “do something in his name”.

“Whether it’s building studios in India in his hometown [of Punjab], or even directing a film.

“I have to keep that legacy going, and can’t let that die,” he says.

Sidhu Moose Wala was considered a music trailblazer, but also a controversial character with lyrics critics say were problematic and glorified violence

Getty Images A man wearing a black jacket, performing on stage singing into a black microphone, wearing a light blue turban (religious head covering for Sikh's). — Sidhu Moose Wala was considered a music trailblazer, but also a controversial character with lyrics critics say were problematic and glorified violence

Attach so far has two million Spotify streams and the video has been viewed over 18 million times on YouTube.

Steel Banglez reveals the song was made in April 2021, and was part of an experiment of using different sounds like Afrobeats and drill.

“I thought it’d be dope for Sidhu to jump on.”

The initial plan was for the song to be on his album The Playlist, released last year.

“But I held the song back because obviously Sidhu passed away,” he says.

“It was one of them things that I had dear to my heart. So I kept the record and wanted to release it at the right time, maybe a better time after speaking to the family.”

The music video, which he also directed, came about quite quickly, he says, and the end scene features a voicenote from Moose Wala.

“My last real big moment with him. Editing it was a bit emotional.

“It’s really deep to be honest. I don’t even know what to think.”

Steel Banglez says he wants to continue to help the music industry evolve

Jeff Rogers A man resting his head on his right hand, a black and white printed jacket. Behind him on the left is a green plant. — Steel Banglez says he wants to continue to help the music industry evolve

It has not yet hit home that the track is finally out, he says.

“It’s been on my laptop for so long. Maybe it’ll hit me in a couple of weeks.”

He adds he has tried to ignore comments, even though many are positive about the song.

“[Because] I know I’ve done my job and I know the track’s a banger.

“No one’s seen Sidhu since he passed away, and that video is where I just have him, and fun so it was actually a good thing for people to see.”

The use of AI has been a prominent issue in the industry recently, with debate around copyright, artist rights and voice cloning.

Tools have been used which can mimic artists, including with music involving Sidhu Moose Wala since his death.

Steel Banglez says he is a fan “if it’s used correctly” and that it can be helpful when he uses it for samples and production.

“But ripping people off and using people’s vocals and trying to make hype for yourself… that’s not real creativity to me.

“And at the end of the day. AI is moving into our day to day lives.

“And you gotta get with it. And if you don’t get with it. You’re going to get left behind,” he says.

That evolution in the industry is one that Steel Banglez has been a part of, and is keen to drive on with younger artists.

After being inspired by the likes of Panjabi MC, Bally Sagoo and Dr Zeus in the 1990s, he says he is “in a phase” that he wants to promote others and the sound of South Asian artists “that fans don’t hear from the UK”.

“I want to take talent and put them on tracks with Afrobeat artists because I feel like we’re really close melodically in our artistry.

“I solidified myself as one of the leaders.

“I think I’m way past needing to develop my brand and for people to know.

“I feel like there’s a whole new generation that have looked at my journey so far and been shown what it is possible,” he says.