Once-in-a-generation artist’ Arijit Singh to be first Indian musician to headline UK stadium
Bengali singer who has more Spotify followers than Taylor Swift to bring ‘sheer power’ to same London stage as Beyoncé
When you think of the biggest names in global pop music today, artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles, and Doechii probably come to mind. But standing right among these stars on Spotify’s global monthly most-listened-to artist list is a name unfamiliar to many British music fans: Arijit Singh. A Bengali singer and multi-instrumentalist with a staggering 147 million Spotify followers — more than even Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran — Singh is quietly reshaping what it means to be a global music star.
And now, Singh is poised to make history: he will become the first Indian musician ever to headline a UK stadium concert. On September 5, 2025, Singh will perform at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, a 63,000-seat venue that will also host global giants like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Imagine Dragons this summer. It’s a landmark moment, not only for Singh but for Indian music and culture in the West.
A Cultural Milestone
“This isn’t just about a concert,” says Nihal Arthanayake, a respected South Asian BBC presenter. “It’s a powerful statement of Indian culture making its mark on the global stage.” Arthanayake emphasizes that Singh’s success represents more than just personal achievement — it’s a celebration of a rich musical tradition and a diverse cultural identity finding resonance beyond its traditional audience.
Despite never charting in the UK Top 100 singles or albums, Singh commands a fiercely loyal fan base within the Indian diaspora worldwide. His music has not crossed over in the traditional Western pop sense, but thanks to global streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube, he reaches millions without needing to conform to Western media’s conventional standards of success.
What Makes Arijit Singh So Special?
Singh’s versatility is extraordinary. He effortlessly shifts from synth-heavy dance tracks to deeply traditional Indian classical music, showcasing astounding technical skill and emotional depth. But what truly sets him apart is his mastery of “playback singing,” a uniquely Indian art form where vocalists record songs that actors lip-sync in Bollywood films.
“The greatest singers are also great actors,” Arthanayake explains. “When Arijit sings, he’s not just delivering a song — he’s stepping into the shoes of the actor, channeling the emotions you see on screen.” Bollywood films, unlike Western cinema, are designed to bring together multiple generations of families — grandparents, parents, and children — all enjoying the story and music together. Singh’s voice becomes a shared cultural thread for families, a rare multigenerational appeal that transcends language barriers.
“You might not understand the lyrics if you don’t speak Hindi or Bengali,” Arthanayake says, “but the sentiment and emotional intensity are universal. His voice speaks a language beyond words.”
A Humble Star Rooted in His Roots
Unlike many superstars who relocate to bustling entertainment capitals, Singh remains deeply connected to his hometown of Jiaganj, West Bengal. Despite his global fame, he shies away from the celebrity spotlight, rarely speaking to the press and living a quiet life with his childhood sweetheart, whom he married. This humility, some critics note, is key to his appeal.
Mahika Ravi Shankar of The Guardian praised Singh’s stage presence during his 2024 arena tour, describing it as exuding “humility and sincerity.” Arthanayake agrees: “He lets the music do the talking. There’s no ego — just pure artistry.”
The Rise of Indian Music in the UK and Beyond
Singh’s upcoming Tottenham Hotspur Stadium concert symbolizes a broader wave of Indian and South Asian artists gaining prominence on the international stage. The UK, home to one of the largest South Asian diasporas outside India, has long hosted Indian music acts at venues like Wembley Arena. But now, with the UK live music industry booming — generating a record-breaking £6.1 billion in economic impact in 2023 — artists like Singh, Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, and celebrated vocalist Shreya Ghoshal are eyeing even larger tours and stadium shows.
Diljit Dosanjh, known for his vibrant Punjabi music and charismatic performances, made headlines with six sold-out arena shows in the UK during autumn 2024, including three at London’s O2 Arena. His Glasgow concert earned a glowing five-star review from The Guardian, described as “an overwhelmingly joyful celebration.” Dosanjh’s crossover success includes appearances at major global events like the Met Gala and Coachella, rare achievements for a Punjabi artist.
Changing the Global Cultural Landscape
Nihal Arthanayake sees these artists as redefining cultural influence in a world no longer dominated by Western norms. “If events like the Met Gala want to stay globally relevant, they need artists like Dosanjh and Singh,” he says. “India’s middle class alone is larger than the entire population of the United States. The center of cultural power is shifting.”
Global streaming services and social media have empowered these artists to build massive followings without needing validation from Western media or industry gatekeepers. “They don’t rely on the ‘white gaze’ to legitimize them,” Arthanayake adds. “They’re huge stars in their own right, with deeply loyal audiences.”
What to Expect at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Singh’s stadium show promises to be a monumental celebration of Indian music and culture. While the audience will likely be predominantly South Asian, Arthanayake stresses that Singh isn’t performing to seek Western approval. Instead, he is showcasing the power and beauty of his art on his own terms.
For many in the Indian diaspora, this concert is a long-awaited moment to see a true cultural icon take the stage at one of the UK’s largest venues. It’s a sign that Indian music, often confined to niche or ethnic markets, is breaking through into mainstream recognition.
A New Era for Indian and South Asian Music
Arijit Singh’s success story is emblematic of a new era where South Asian artists are gaining unprecedented visibility on global stages. From Bollywood playback singers to Punjabi rappers like AP Dhillon and UK-based Asian music collectives like Daytimers, these artists are expanding what it means to be South Asian in music today.
They are blending tradition with modernity, local languages with global sounds, and creating music that resonates with diverse audiences around the world. Singh’s upcoming Tottenham concert isn’t just a performance — it’s a cultural milestone that signals the rise of Indian music as a global force.