295 (song)
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| "295" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Sidhu Moose Wala | ||||
| from the album Moosetape | ||||
| Language | Punjabi | |||
| Released | July 14, 2021 | |||
| Recorded | 2021 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Label | Sidhu Moose Wala | |||
| Songwriter | Sidhu Moose Wala | |||
| Producer | The Kidd | |||
| Sidhu Moose Wala singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "295" on YouTube | ||||
"295" is a song recorded by Punjabi singer-rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, released on 14 July 2021.[1] The song was written by Sidhu Moose Wala and produced by The Kidd and was featured on his third studio album Moosetape (2021).[2] This song's title matched with the date of his assassination, which was May 29th, or "29/5", if written according to the British date and time notation.[3] A music video for the track was premiered during a show in Toronto in 2026, 4 years after Moosewala's passing, as part of the posthumous "Signed to God" world tour, which employed the use of hologram to recreate his presence.[4][5]
Cultural impact
[edit]The title of "295" refers to Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code. The song addresses religious controversy and freedom of expression. The BBC described it as a commentary on the shrinking scope for dissent in India, while The Indian Express interpreted its lyrics as criticism of corrupt politicians and the use of religion in politics.[6][7]
In June 2022, "295", from Moose Wala's 2021 album Moosetape, entered the Billboard Global 200 at number 154. It was the first entry on the chart by a Punjabi artist. By 17 June 2022, its music video had received more than 198 million views on YouTube.[8][9]
On 29 May 2024, "295" was played at a rally addressed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Dakha, Ludhiana, where Gandhi paid tribute to Moose Wala on the second anniversary of his death. The crowd cheered as the song played. On 2 June, Gandhi referred to the song while discussing the 2024 Indian general election results, asking, "Have you heard Sidhu Moosewala's song, '295'?"[10][11]
In January 2023, Moga Police constable Gurbhej Singh adapted the tune of "295" for a road-safety awareness song. The lyrics urged motorists to wear helmets and seat belts, follow speed limits and give way to emergency vehicles.[12]
In July 2026, hundreds of students and other protesters sang "295" at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. during protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET paper leak.[13]
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[14] | 62 |
| Global 200 (Billboard)[15] | 154 |
| India (Billboard)[16] | 1 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[17] | 37 |
References
[edit]- ↑ Neel Kamal (17 June 2022). "Global chartbuster after death, Sidhu Moose Wala becomes prophetic again". Times of India. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ↑ Kaur, Amarjot (30 May 2022). "Sidhu Moosewala's political commentary in rap". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ↑ "Sidhu Moosewalas date of death and his songs 295 and The Last Ride: Fans still trying to wrap their heads around uncanny coincidence". The Tribune. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ↑ Singharia, Kanishka (11 October 2026). "4 years after death, Sidhu Moosewala's hologram show debuts in Canada; song nears 900 million views on YouTube". Mint. Retrieved 12 October 2026.
- ↑ "This Week In Music: Billboard India's Essential 6". Billboard India. 9 October 2026. Retrieved 13 October 2026.
- ↑ Mateen, Zoya (31 May 2022). "Sidhu Moose Wala: The murdered Indian rapper who 'made sense of chaos'". BBC News.
- ↑ "Sidhu Moosewala's latest release: '… gleam on the face of this man tells that he will die young..'". The Indian Express. 30 May 2022.
- ↑ "Sidhu Moosewala's 295 enters Billboard Global 200 Chart, fans say 'legends never die'". The Indian Express. 17 June 2022.
- ↑ "Sidhu Moosewala's songs trending worldwide, making him a global sensation". SBS Punjabi. 24 June 2022.
- ↑ "In Punjab rally, Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to Sidhu Moosewala, calls for 'aggressive' approach to solve drug issue". The Indian Express. 29 May 2024.
- ↑ "Social Buzz: Rahul Gandhi predicts INDIA bloc's seats: 'Have you heard of Sidhu Moosewala's 295 song?'". The Indian Express. 2 June 2024.
- ↑ "Punjab cop remixes Sidhu Moose Wala's 295 to encourage road safety". The Times of India. 28 January 2023.
- ↑ Ojha, Abhilasha (2026). "Independent musicians create songs of protest". Mint.
- ↑ "Billboard Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ↑ "Sidhu Moosewala's '295' enters Billboard Global 200 Chart, reaches number three on YouTube". Tribune India. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ↑ "India Songs - Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ↑ "Hot Singles Chart". The Official New Zealand Music Chart. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
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