Surrey Civic Plaza will be cooking this weekend with the sounds of contemporary Panjabi music. The 5X Blockparty on Saturday (May 16) will feature several performers, including JUNO-nominated B.C. artists Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga. The pair performed at the 2025 JUNOs in Vancouver with several other artists, including Surrey-raised and Birmingham-based Jazzy B.
Nattan, who grew up in Surrey, has more than 1.1 million subscribers to his YouTube channel. Moga grew up in Punjab and moved to B.C. nine years ago. They met in 2020 and their first hit was “Daku”, which they recorded in 2021 with Mad Mix. Then in 2024 they recorded the EP “East to West” in 2024 with AR Paisley. Five of the seven tracks featured Toronto-based producer Jay Trak.
Most recently, Nattan and Moga collaborated on the upbeat “Canadian Dream” with Miss Pooja and Dr. Zeus. This anthem to Panjabi Canadian success features glorious images of Metro Vancouver, along with a photo of Moga on a $100 Canadian banknote. Nattan wrote the lyrics, which Moga and Miss Pooja sang. Baljit Singh Padam composed the music and Dr. Zeus produced the track.
The 5X Blockparty runs from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday is free for those who RSVP through Showpass. This signature event of 5X Fest will also include performances by Supreme Sidhu, Bhalwaan & Signature by SB, DJ Frenzy, Raj Singh Hayre, Simar, GAV, and Japjeet Sandhu.
The high-energy “Canadian Dream” (above) celebrates success in this country.
5X features renowned artist Inkquisitive
The festival opens at 7 p.m. on Friday (May 15) with the annual 5X Art Party at Beaumont Studios (316 West 5th Avenue) in Vancouver. This year’s Art Party is rooted in the concept of Adhikar, which speaks to the power of claiming or reclaiming space.
In addition, 5X will continue its tradition of hosting a 19+ Afterparty at a secret location, which is only revealed to ticketholders. This will start at 10 p.m., following the end of the Blockparty.
Then at 6 p.m. on Sunday (May 17), the festival will conclude with the Inkquisitive 15 Year World Tour at SFU on University Drive in Surrey. The renowned London-based Panjabi artist—also known as Amandeep Singh—has inspired a generation with his intricate and vibrant ink-based art and layered compositions. His works touch upon everything from politics and religion to pop culture and sports. This event will feature original pieces and a live presentation.
“5X has always been about more than putting artists on a stage,” says Neesha Hothi, executive director of 5X Fest. “It is about building the infrastructure, visibility, and cultural confidence our community deserves. This year’s festival reflects where Panjabi and South Asian creativity is right now, but also where it is going next.”
5X Fest runs from Friday (May 15) to Sunday (May 17) in Vancouver and Surrey. For tickets and more information, visit the festival website.
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