The singer speaks candidly about his rise, the struggles that pulled him away from the spotlight, and how a new generation of fans is fuelling his comeback.
Indian music, especially the Punjabi pop and hip-hop scene, has a massive global following. In the UAE, where millions of South Asian expats live, the craze is even bigger. One star who has a massive fan following in the region is none other than Yo Yo Honey Singh. FACT caught up with him earlier this year, to talk about his journey, his new 51-track album, the lows he has overcome, and the man behind the persona.
The rise
Yo Yo Honey Singh, born Hirdesh Singh, is from Delhi, India. Early in his career, he adopted the moniker “Yo Yo” to signal his connection with fans, effectively branding himself as “your own Honey Singh”.
From viral club hits like “Brown Rang” to wedding anthems and global collaborations, his music blended Punjabi roots with international beats. He created a rebellious, larger-than-life persona that cemented his status as an industry icon. Millennials grew up in the era of Angrezi Beat, Brown Rang, and Dope Shope, which captured the swagger and rebellion of the late 2000s and early 2010s.
“I think millennials connected with me because my music reflected their lifestyle at the time,” he explained. “It was fun, bold, and unapologetic.”
At a time when Bollywood music dominated parties and radio, Honey Singh’s beats felt fresh and relatable. These weren’t just songs. He was creating a vibe and a soundtrack for a generation exploring independence. His fusion of Punjabi lyrics with hip-hop beats gave young listeners a strong sense of identity.
In his early career, he avoided traditional instruments in mainstream pop but occasionally reintroduced them with a modern twist. His use of tabla fused with contemporary sounds reflects his commitment to a globalised musical identity.
The struggles
Over the years, Honey Singh has faced criticism for his lyrics and creative choices. However, he views backlash as part of artistic experimentation. “Whenever you try something new, there’s always a bit of rebellion, so criticism is natural,” he said. But when questioned if the audiences should idolise singers or celebrities, he clarified, “I think we are entertainers, we are not scholars. When an artist wants to send a good message, people often don’t listen.”
He noted that his songs about Bhagat Singh or women’s empowerment didn’t achieve the same popularity as his party anthems, reinforcing the idea that audiences often gravitate toward high-energy tracks that define his brand. When asked how he handles criticism today, he was candid: “The criticism I care about most is the one I give myself.”
The fall
Despite massive success, Honey Singh’s journey was marked by personal struggles. Between 2014 and 2020, he battled substance abuse and severe mental health challenges that kept him away from the limelight. “Seven years of my life were lost, and very few people get a second chance,” he shared. “I got one, and the love of the fans helped me stand back up.”
His recovery has since turned him into an advocate for mental health awareness and drug-free living. Despite quitting drugs and following a strict treatment regimen, it took nearly a decade for him to fully regain his energy and confidence.
Being away from the internet and television for so long was also eye-opening. “I thought that after being away, the world would be the same, but the times have really changed,” he admitted.
The man behind the mask
Part of Honey Singh’s appeal lies in the contrast between his public image and private self. “Honey Singh is a character I created over 21 years, but the real me is Hirdesh Singh, and I’m a pretty simple guy,” he said.
This distinction helps him balance fame while protecting his personal life. The high-energy Honey Singh persona dominates music videos and live performances, while Hirdesh focuses on family, recovery, and introspection.
The comeback
After a long hiatus from live performances, Honey Singh’s return to the stage has been remarkable. Reflecting on his recent India shows — his first in almost a decade — he was surprised by how much his audience had evolved.
“My energy has been really high because I got to witness a completely new audience,” he shared. “I thought only millennials who knew me back in the day would show up, but the Gen-Z crowd that attended was insane.”
Today, he collaborates with younger writers and adapts his music to engage Gen-Z listeners while maintaining his signature style. This renewed connection has given him fresh creative energy and a broader perspective on his legacy.
The latest release
Honey Singh’s latest album is unlike anything he has done before. Among the new tracks, one stands out as especially emotional. “Glorious Days is the last track of the album,” Honey Singh revealed. “It’s special because it thanks God, my fans, and my friends.”
The song was inspired by someone who closely observed his journey from childhood to superstardom. For Honey Singh, it represents resilience, gratitude, and reflection — a summary of both his personal and professional experiences.
In addition to “Glorious Days,” the album includes 50 more songs. “We decided to do a 51-song album that people can listen to slowly over a year and a half, and we’ll do a full world tour for the same period,” he explained.
The ambitious plan reflects his desire to stay connected with fans globally while experimenting with different sounds and storytelling styles. Dubai was previously slated to be the first stop of this tour, but the performance was postponed amid regional tensions. At the time of writing, there has been no further update on whether the Dubai date will go ahead, leaving fans waiting for confirmation on when — or if — Honey Singh will return to the city.
But regardless, Dubai felt like the natural place for Honey Singh to begin this new chapter. “I chose Dubai for the world tour because it’s the perfect place to start,” he shared. “It’s where my journey began with the video for Brown Rang.”
The future
Honey Singh is clear about his future aspirations. “I dream that all brown-skinned people see me as a representative — that Honey Singh represents our music, our sound.” He envisions a global brown-skinned community connecting through his music and shared cultural identity.
With the Dubai date currently uncertain, Honey Singh’s comeback remains a story still unfolding. Whether or not the postponed UAE performance eventually takes place, his influence on Indian pop music continues to resonate with fans across the region and beyond. One where the beats are louder and the audience bigger than ever.
Contact: @yoyohoneysingh