North America has many artists with hidden talent and it's true, it's not always easy to make it big in the music industry. Most artists are well known because either they were brought up in it or because they are simply family.

This artist we are about to introduce has shown us that nor do you have to be brought up or be born into the music scene. By showing your efforts and hard work you can go to any limit to achieve success.

What is required is dedication and passion for what you believe in and with this let us introduce you too a young 24 year old talented artist who has just taken off in his musical career and has been creating a huge buzz with his tracks in Toronto...here he is guys...Introducing...Gugu Raipuria!!!!

1. For starters, could you please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

My name is Gugu Raipuria and I am an upcoming singer born and raised from Toronto, Canada.

2. How did you get musically inclined and that too into singing?

Well, my story is definitely the complete opposite from others. Usually, the singer is either born in Punjab and/or has been singing from an early age. I didn’t have either. I never did sing while growing up or even showed interest up until I was about 18-19 yrs old when I really got into the whole Bhangra scene.

From there, I was fortunate enough to have met one of my favorite singers Sukhdev Darapuria who then introduced me to my teacher Ustad Mahesh Mulwani of whom I’ve been learning from the past three years. 

3. What type of music do you focus on?

You can say my main focus is on Punjabi Music. But lately I have really gotten myself involved into Hindi Music.

4. Have you come out with any singles, videos or albums?

I have recorded my first track “Sapni di Guth,” that is going to be on an upcoming mix tape titled “Vocals Unleashed” which is produced by Hans Mann. The video has also been shot and is set to release worldwide very soon. The album will be releasing later this year.

5. Are you currently working on releasing any albums?

We are slowly gathering ideas for my upcoming album which I hope to begin sometime late next year but at the moment I am currently working on a few singles that should be coming out early next year.

6. Who would you say are your biggest role model(s)?

My role models…the first one is definitely Jazzy B, he has been my biggest influence when it comes to Bhangra music. Also Babbu Mann and the late Soni Pabla are major inspirations as their music & lyrics have influenced my life in many ways.

7. Are there any artists with whom you would like to work with in some of your future projects?

I would definitely love to sing a track with Jazzy B. He’s the reason why I’ve gotten myself into this industry and to collaborate with him would be a dream come true. I would also love to do a track with a female vocalist.

I’ve actually had an idea for quite some time but haven’t approached the singer as of yet. The whole concept is really different and I’ am sure the final outcome would be something the listeners will enjoy…and No, the singer I’ am wishing to record with is not Miss Pooja (laughs).

8. Being a singer, some artists are either producers or play instruments. Do you do any of the two?

Well I’ am just concentrating on my vocals to be honest. There’s still so much more to learn before I can even get into a studio and record my own album. I am currently learning the Baja (harmonium) and the keyboard all while training my vocals at the same time.

9. Where do you see your career headed 5 years from now?

I would love to see myself as an established artist with a few solid albums under my name. But that is just my dream. The outcome however is written by God and whatever is meant to be will be.

10. Would you like to say any final words for your Simplybhangra.com readers?

First of all, thank you, SimplyBhangra.com, for taking your time out to interview me and Thank you to all the readers who took the time out to read my interview.

Look out for the mix album “Vocals Unleashed” to release very soon! Hope you all enjoy it! Also, watch out for Deep Jandu’s debut album “Shera Naal Yaari” produced by Hans Mann… 

Respect to all…Peace out!