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 25 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 favourite singers Sukhdev Darapuria who then introduced me to my teacher Ustad Mahesh Mulwani of whom I've been learning from the past four years.

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

I have recorded my first track "Sapni di Guth," which is released by Planet Recordz. The track was produced by Hans Mann and is available on iTunes. The video has also been shot and is set to release worldwide in the coming days.

[hdplay videoid=133 height=400 width=650 playlist=false autoplay=false]

(UK) (USA) (CANADA)

4. 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.

I have just finished recording my second track entitled "Assi Yaar Punjabi" that is produced by Randy J and will be releasing on the "Nach Nach Ke. vol.2" album which I believe will be available on iTunes in the coming months.

5. 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

6. 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).

7. Being a youngster born and raised outside of India, what other artists/bands from other genres of music do you enjoy listening to?

I've always been a huge fan of Oasis. Apart from them, I love listening to old school hip hop/rap...artists like 2pac, Dead Prez, Eazy-E & the Bone Thugs N' Harmony.

8. 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.

9. 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 supporting me and many out there who need a platform like yourselves to push upcoming artists and giving them the chance.  Thank you to all the readers who took the time out to read my interview. 

Hopefully you all enjoy Sapni Di Guth and download the track off iTunes. Watch out for my next track "Assi Yaar Punjabi" coming very soon on the Nach Nach Ke vol.2 album. Look out for my website which should be up in the coming months at WWW.GUGURAIPURIA.COM until then....

Respect to all…Peace out!