Diljit Dosanjh makes history as first Punjabi singer to headline Wembley Stadium

On Saturday night, under the world-famous Wembley arch, five words rang out: "Punjabi Aa Gaye Wembley Oye!"

Indian megastar Diljit Dosanjh famously starts all his concerts by announcing that "the Punjabis have arrived".

But this time, it was a play on the usual catchphrase.

Dosanjh is the first ever Punjabi singer to headline Wembley Stadium, the music venue has said.

Addressing his fans, he reflected on the significance of the occasion. "This moment will go down in the history books," he said.

And as Bhangra beats blared out, fans erupted with cheers while Dosanjh launched into his biggest hits, from G.O.A.T. to Lover.

Over two decades, Dosanjh has built a huge global fanbase, topping charts and singing with the likes of Ed Sheeran.

He has even busted Bhangra moves with Jimmy Fallon, external, with the US talk show host labelling him "the biggest Punjabi artist on the planet".

His landmark concert at Wembley further cements his status as a global star.

Ahead of the show, the singer spoke exclusively to the BBC backstage, describing the moment as "a dream" for him.

In London, Dosanjh's crowd was largely - but not entirely - South Asian.

The hype for his appearance was building all afternoon, with fans arriving early to get in place.

"MJ [Michael Jackson] and Madonna, he's that level for us," said one fan. "He's so good looking, and so down to earth," said another.

When he came on the stage shortly after 8pm, dressed in traditional attire, the stadium erupted and the screams barely stopped for the next two-and-a-bit hours.

Known for his high-energy performances, he wowed fans with his dance routines to songs including Hass Hass and Born to Shine.

His soulful voice echoed around the stadium, demonstrating his range, as he blended homegrown Punjabi music with rap and hip-hop.

Throughout the show, the audience waved lights, sang along and - of course - danced. At times, the standing area closest to the stage resembled an Indian wedding, with fans copying Dosanjh's impressive moves.

But despite performing in such a vast venue, Dosanjh proved again his ability to connect on a personal level with fans.

He brought a range of fans on stage, from young children to an elderly woman, taking selfies and giving them gifts.

He also acknowledged those in the back rows of the 90,000-seater stadium, saying those at the back were "full of heart", and encouraged applause for them.

There was also exciting news for fans in India, as he announced he would be performing in November at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The concert was capped off with the emotion of the night - his track Main Hoon Punjabi, which means "I am Punjab" - set to a spectacular firework display.

"What an incredible show, the energy and vibe was unparalleled!" fans Amit and Rani told the BBC.

"We love Diljit and have been to all his shows in the UK. This was something else, a moment in time we won't forget being a part of."

They added that it was not only a privilege "but a moment to celebrate for Punjabi culture".

Dosanjh likes a "first".

From humble beginnings as a small village boy from Punjab, he made history in 2023 by becoming the first Punjabi-language singer to perform at the US music festival Coachella.

He also famously made his Met Gala debut decked in majestic Punjabi attire.

His meteoric rise has seen him perform across America and Europe, and collaborate with pop stars from Sia to Sheeran.

His authenticity is a big part of his appeal. He remains true to his Punjabi roots, wears his turban as a sign of pride, and sings in his mother tongue.

Away from music, Dosanjh is also a popular Bollywood actor - and a social media sensation. Even those who haven't heard his music have probably viewed his funny Instagram videos - such as him arguing with an Amazon Alexa device, external that couldn't understand his accent.

Now, he's performed on a stage that's previously been home to titans of music from Taylor Swift to Coldplay.

For Dosanjh and his millions of global fans, it means Punjabi music, Punjabi culture and Punjabi vibrancy has reached an historic moment.

Speaking to the BBC before his gig, he said he felt "thankful" to be here.

"When we were going to book this venue, everyone said, 'Think again before you book, it's a big stadium'," he said.

"I said: 'We'll see whatever comes. I want that our people are happy and can say yes, we can do this too!'"

He reflected on the many artists who had performed there before him, adding that to follow their footsteps "means a lot, a lot".

"It may not mean as much for someone like Harry Styles, as much as it means for us. He has performed on such stages, but for us, it's very special. Coming from a village to here - it's very special."

"I feel good. I feel happy. And I feel good for my people. I feel good for the next generation," he said.

And of course, there was only one way he could finish.

"We are here. Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye!"