Karan Aujla: First Indian in Apple Music’s ‘Up Next’

Apple Music has chosen Karan Aujla as the first Indian artist for its Up Next program, which aims to discover and promote talented musicians globally.

Born Jaskaran Singh Aujla in Punjab in 1997, Aujla moved to Vancouver in 2014 and began his career as a lyricist in 2016. Initially writing for Punjabi artists like Jazzy B and Diljit Dosanjh, he ventured into solo work in 2018, collaborating with notable rappers such as YG and Badshah. Aujla’s music blends R&B with hip-hop, reflecting his Punjab roots through vivid, meaningful lyrics.

Reflecting on his journey, Aujla stated, “From early hardships, including the loss of my parents, to achieving global recognition in my twenties, it’s been a remarkable journey. Being chosen as the first Punjabi artist for Apple Music’s Up Next program underscores my commitment to inspire my community and aspiring artists.”

Apple Music’s Up Next program supports emerging artists monthly with extensive promotional opportunities, including a short film shot on iPhone and interviews with Apple Music hosts. Previous featured artists include Khalid, Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, and Megan Thee Stallion. Now in its eighth year, Up Next also includes a curated playlist highlighting new artists across diverse genres and countries.

In his Up Next film, Aujla guides viewers through his Vancouver neighborhoods, sharing his musical aspirations. He aims to transcend language barriers with his music, akin to the global impact of “Despacito” in Spanish. “If you love music, you love music. There shouldn’t be any barriers,” he emphasized.

Apple Music’s recognition marks a significant milestone for Karan Aujla, celebrating his journey from a young lyricist to an internationally recognized artist pushing the boundaries of Punjabi music.

Re-reported from the article originally published in FIRSTPOST.