Diljit Dosanjh delivered a landmark moment for Punjabi music at the Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on 13 November 2026, performing his cross-cultural collaboration 'Pokito' alongside reggaeton legend Daddy Yankee. In a widely shared clip, Dosanjh was seen touching the feet of Daddy Yankee's mother backstage — a traditional gesture of respect — drawing warm reactions online and underscoring the cultural bridge the collaboration is meant to represent.

The Backstage Moment That Went Viral

Dosanjh shared a series of videos from the evening on his Instagram Stories, including the backstage interaction with Daddy Yankee's mother. In a separate clip, he wrote: 'Punjabi will be spoke on every stage in the world' — a declaration that resonated strongly with his global fanbase. The gesture of touching an elder's feet, deeply rooted in South Asian tradition, visibly moved viewers and was praised as a sincere expression of his roots on an international platform.

About the Collaboration 'Pokito'

The track 'Pokito' was released on 30 October 2026 as part of Daddy Yankee's album La Postal. The song blends Punjabi folk elements — notably the sound of the tumbi — with reggaeton rhythms and Latin urban music. Dosanjh opens the track with Punjabi verses before Daddy Yankee delivers his signature Spanish flow. The recurring hook, 'Poquito a poquito', translates to 'little by little' in Spanish.

The music video, directed by Stillz, celebrates both cultures through vivid visual references including bhangra in a bodega and a playful merging of cricket and baseball — a metaphor for two worlds meeting in rhythm. The collaboration is widely seen as the most significant international crossover of Dosanjh's career, placing Punjabi music in direct conversation with one of Latin music's most influential artists.

Controversy Back Home

The Latin Grammy performance comes even as Dosanjh faces scrutiny in India over his concert setlist. A District Child Protection Officer has written to the local Police Commissioner seeking restrictions on four songs — 'Patiala Peg', '5 Taara Theke', 'Jeb Vicho Feem', and 'Jatt Fire Karda' — which are allegedly said to promote alcohol, substance abuse, and violence. The official has requested that the songs not be performed even with modified lyrics, citing concerns around their influence on younger audiences.

Notably, the juxtaposition is striking: while Dosanjh earns global recognition for cultural diplomacy, he simultaneously faces domestic calls to curb certain parts of his catalogue — a tension that reflects ongoing debates around artistic freedom and social responsibility in the Indian music industry.

What This Moment Signals

Dosanjh's appearance at the Latin Grammys represents a continuation of a broader arc for Punjabi music on the world stage — one that has accelerated sharply over the past decade. This is not the first time a South Asian artist has shared a Latin Grammy stage, but the combination of a live performance, a charting collaboration, and a viral cultural moment makes it one of the most visible. As 'Pokito' continues to gain traction, all eyes will be on whether this partnership yields further creative output or opens the door for other Punjabi artists seeking a Latin crossover.