Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana was born on 15th December 1935 in the village of Dalli-Bhogpur in Jalandhar. He was born to Mata Kishan Kaur Ji and Sardar Jagjit Singh Ji. At the age of 5, he was sent to learn basic Gurmukhi from his father’s elder brother who was a Nirmala saint by the name of Sant Parmatma Singh Ji. Sant Parmatma Singh Ji was in charge of one of the ‘deras’ in Amritsar under the care of Mahant Daya Singh Ji. After learning the basics of Gurmukhi, Diwana Ji attended public school. As this was before the partition, Urdu was being taught in school and once Punjab was divided in 1947, his school shut down. At that time, there was worry that Urdu would not be used anymore and learning it would not have any value in India, so he was sent to the Gurdwara to continue learning Gurmukhi. He was started on ‘Panj Granthi’ and ‘Das Granthi’ before proceeding to do ‘Paath’ from Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji belongs to the Ramgharia Sikh community, who are noted for their skills in carpentry and other artisan occupations. His family members were also involved in wood and metal crafts. This led him to follow in their footsteps. However, he kept in frequent company of Sant Parmatma Singh Ji. He would follow Sant Parmatma Singh Ji for Kirtan programs and would accompany Sant Ji on the ‘dholki’. One day, Sant Parmatma Singh Ji mentioned to Diwana Ji that it was his wish for someone in their family to do Kirtan. This idea became embedded in Diwana Ji’s mind and he then decided to learn Kirtan. In 1952, Diwana Ji went to the village of Nangal, Hoshiarpur to learn Kirtan from the renowned maestro, Prof. Darshan Singh Komal. He spent around one year with Komal Ji and learned approximately 20 Raags from him. During this time, he would also accompany Komal Ji for various Kirtan programs to gain more experience.
After leaving Nangal, he went back home and into his family trade. As he was able to do ‘Paath’, he would also take part in ‘Akhand Paaths’ regularly and sing a couple of Shabads during the ‘Paath da bhog’ ceremony. He became friends with a school teacher. This gentleman would attend the Kirtan programs and then join Diwana Ji for tea and a chat after the programs. One day, he commented that Diwana Ji had a very sweet voice and did beautiful Kirtan. Then he asked, “Why don’t you do Kirtan full-time?” In those days, most villagers liked to hear explanations and related ‘Parsangs’ about the Shabads being sung. So, Diwana Ji replied that he had not learned much Punjabi and would not be able to explain well. The teacher told him that it was not too late for him to learn and he could further his studies by attending college. This was a life changing moment for Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji. At this point of time, he was already married with one child. However, he was really keen on the idea and he went to Jalandhar the next day to inquire about college admissions. After finding out about courses in YMS College, he returned home and informed his family of his intentions. His mother was very happy to hear this and she told him that she would support his studies. She gave him a monthly allowance of Rs. 100, which was a large sum at that time. He bought a bicycle with his first allowance and he would cycle 25 kilometers to Jalandhar for his classes. He completed the Budhimani, Vidhwani and Gyani courses in linguistics.
After completing his studies, he found it difficult to secure programs. This led him to continue working as a carpenter. One day, the same teacher who had initially motivated him to study, came to check on him. Diwana Ji told him that nobody knew about him and he was not able to get booked for programs. So, the teacher suggested that he should join a ‘jatha’ first and make a name for himself before forming his own. With a clear direction now, he joined the ‘jatha’ of Bhai Sardara Singh Dardi, a popular ‘Dhadhi’ of his time. Shortly after Diwana Ji joined the ‘jatha’, they started performing Kirtan. Diwana Ji accompanied Bhai Sardara Singh Dardi for 5 years. During these 5 years, Diwana Ji sent his younger brother, Kirpal Singh to learn music. Kirpal Singh Ji attained a double MA in music and soon after, Diwana Ji formed a ‘jatha’ with his brothers. His elder brother Nirmal Singh Ji accompanied on the tabla and Kirpal Singh Ji played the tanpura. Shortly after that, they got another tabla player, so Nirmal Singh Ji started accompanying on the side harmonium. Diwana Ji wanted to experiment with something different, so he bought a mandolin and learned from his violinist cousin. Their ‘jatha’ became quite popular at that time and this resulted in many offers from abroad. As Diwana Ji was adept in Kirtan and ‘Paath’, many Gurdwaras were requesting him to fill the role of resident Granthi and Kirtani. He received offers from Afghanistan and Singapore, but he did not take those up. Later, he received an offer from London and as his permit was approved and he was ready to leave, fate took a different turn.
One day, he was invited to perform the Anand Karaj ceremony of a young couple. The groom and his family were from Kenya. They were very impressed by him and they offered to arrange for him to work in Kenya. He told them that his permit for the United Kingdom (UK) was already approved and he was planning to move there. However, they insisted that he visit for a few months at least, before going to the UK. He agreed to this, and left for Nairobi, Kenya in 1971. Months turned to years and as fate would have it, he lived in Nairobi for 26 years. He served as a Granthi at the Ramgharia Gurdwara in Pangani. However, he also travelled to other parts of Africa such as Tanzania, Zambia etc. for Kirtan programs. He has also travelled to the United States and United Kingdom. In 1982, he returned temporarily to his village in Bhogpur to build a house for retirement and then went back to Nairobi. He moved back to India permanently in 1997, and currently lives in his house in Bhogpur, Jalandhar.
Diwana Ji is the second out of four brothers. His eldest brother, Nirmal Singh Ji has passed away. The third sibling, Sarup Singh Ji has retired from teaching and is currently based in the United States. His youngest brother, Kirpal Singh served as a professor of music, but is also now retired and teaches music from his home.
Diwana Ji has four sons and his elder two are living with him in Punjab. Another son lives in London and one of his sons is the world-famous Punjabi musician, Sukhbir Singh, who is now based in Dubai. Diwana Ji used to travel regularly to Africa for Kirtan programs before the covid-19 pandemic hit. Since then, he does Kirtan in nearby cities and villages. His son, Rajinder Singh Ji accompanies him on tabla. Diwana Ji has also taught Kirtan to many people over the years, including Veer Manpreet Singh from the UK. Another of his students, Satnam Singh used to travel from Zambia to India to learn Kirtan from him.
If anyone has more recordings of Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana to share, please contact us.
The recordings below are from a program in Nairobi, Kenya on 23rd June 1972. Recordings courtesy of Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 01 Prem Lago Har Teer
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 02 Maan Karo Tudh Oopre
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 03 Thakur Binti Karo (Bhairo)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 04 Dhan So Vela Jit Darshan Karna
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 05 Apne Satgur Ke Balhare
The Asa Di Vaar below is a live recording from 2001. This Asa Di Vaar was obtained from one of Diwana Ji’s Soundcloud pages which can be accessed by clicking ‘here’.
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 1
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 2
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 3
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 4
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 5
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 6
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 7
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 8
The large batch of recordings below were also obtained from a few of Diwana Ji’s accounts on Soundcloud. Those accounts can be accessed by clicking ‘here’ and ‘here’.
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aad Gur Eh Name
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aagai Paashhai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aaisi Maang Gobind Te
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aarti
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aawo Sikh Satguru Ke Pyaro
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Ai Guru Gobind Singh
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aisa Jog Kamavoh
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aisa Kirtan Kar Man Mere
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aisi Dikhya
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aisi Kirpa Mohe Karo
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Amrit Bani Har Har Teri
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Amrit Bani Har Har Teri 2
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Amrit Wela (kavita)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Apne Har Pe Benti Kahiye
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asein Khate Bahut
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Awall Allah Noor Upaaya
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Baani Parheya Karo
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Balhaar
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Bandna Har Bandna
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Bediyian
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Bhi Teri Kimat
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Chopai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Darshan Maango
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Darthi Nu
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Dasam Pita
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Daya Karo
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Dehey Shiva Var Mohe
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Doye Kar Jorh Karron Ardaas
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Eih Baenanthee
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gholi Jeeyo Ghol Gumai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gobind Nika Jeha
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Guna Ka Hove
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gur Ka Darshan
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gur Ke Charan
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gur Ke Charan Kamal Mann Dhyave
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gursikha
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gursikh Meet Chalo Gur Chali
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gursikha Sabaas Janam Sawaraya
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Har Ka Naam
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Har Kae Charan Jap
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Har Ko Naam Sada Sukhdai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Har Pase Mahaek
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Hau Vaar Vaar
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Hey Gobind Hey Gopal
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Hey Gobind Hey Gopal 2
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Houn Kurban
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Ja Kay Ridhey Baso
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Ja Tu Mere Wal Hai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Japji Sahib
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Jin Prem Kio
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Jio Bhaavai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Jo Mange Thakur
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Jog Juggat Gursikh
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Jyon Bhaave Tyon Mohe Pritpal
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Kahe Re Bann Khojan Jai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Keeta Lodhiye
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Ke Zahar Zahoor Hai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Kirpa Karo Deen Ke Daate
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Kirtan Nirmolak Heera
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Kirtan Sohila
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Koi Aan Milave Mera Pritam Pyara
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Koi Bole Ram Ram
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Laal Aiya Nee
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Laal Rang
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Lakh Khusiyan
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Maadho Hum Aise Too Aisaa
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Main Banjaran Ram Ki
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mann Kahan Labahiye Aan Ko
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mann Mere Gur Pura Salaah
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mehma Sadhu Sang
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mein Banda Be Kharid Sach Sahib Mera
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mein Nahin Prabh Sabh Kish Tera
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mein Pekhiyo Ree Uncha Mohan
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mein Prabh Milan Prem Man Aasa
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mere Laal Jiyo
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mere Mann Gur Gur Gur Sad Kariye
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mere Mann Mukh Har Har Boliye
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mere Mann Ram Naam
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mere Ram Har Jan Ke
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mere Ram Har Santa
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mila Hai Ye Insani Jeevan
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mohe Anath
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Nanak Ke Hein Ehsaan
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Nasro Manzur
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Nau Nid Amrit Prabh
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Nirgun Raakh Liya
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Nirjur Niroop Ho
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – O Nimo Bhagwant Gusaeen
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Prabh Ju To Ke Laaj
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Prabh Keeje
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Pritpal Parbh Kirpal Kavan Gunn Ganni
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Raakha Ek Hamara Sawami
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Raakh Pita Prabh Mere
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Rab Milega Zaroor Rakh Dil Che Yakeen
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Ram Naam Rang Jaga
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Re Man Aiso
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Re Man Ot Liheo
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Rehras Sahib
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sa Sewa Saffal
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Saach Keho Sun Laehu
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sabh Dhan Kaho
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sabh Sees Niva Ardas Karo
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sadaa Sadaa Japiye Har Naam
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sadho Eh Man
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sadho Man Ka Maan Tiago
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sajjan Mainda Chaiya
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sahib Mera Meett Na Maan
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Santho Sukh Hoaa Sabh Thhaaee
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sat Guru Nanak Pargatia
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Satgur Ki Sewa Saffal Hai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Satgur Mera Sadaa Dyalaa
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Satgur Poorey Naam Dheeae
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sevak Ki Ardas
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – So Kishh Kar Jit Meil Na Laagai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – So Satgur Dhan Dhan
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sobha Mere
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sukhmani Sahib
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sun Wadbhaghia
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sun Yaar Hamare Sajjan
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Taati Vaao Na Lagayi
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Tere Gunn Gawan
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Thakur Aiso Naam Tumaro
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Toon Dariyao
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Toon Visre Taan Sabh Ko Laago
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Tu Mere Pran
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Tum Karo Daya
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Tum Karo Daya 2
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Utth Ched De Rabab Toon
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Waheguru Tera Sab Sadka
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Waheguru Waheguru
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Waheguru
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Zahar Zahoor Hai
*New Recordings Added – 3rd March 2023
The following recordings were kindly contributed by Sardar Privindar Singh Sarl.
Vol. 1
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 01 Apne Thakur Ki Houn Cheree (Dhanasri)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 02 Ja Prabh Ki Houn Cherulee
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 03 Aape Baho Bidh Rangla
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 04 Hum Thaare Bekhari Jio
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 05 Vichaar
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 06 Bada Ehsan Nanak Da (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 07 Vichaar
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 08 Duniya De Kalakaro (Dharmak Kavta) with Vichaar
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 09 Uth Chher De Rabab Tu (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 10 Vichaar
Vol. 2
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 01 Ramaiya Houn Barik Tera (Yaman Kalyan)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 02 Har Ji Mata Har Ji Pita
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 03 Rasna Japti Tuhi Tuhi
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 04 Prabh Keejai Kirpa Nidhaan
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 05 Prabh Mero It Ut Sada Sahai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 06 Jehva Ek Kavan Gun Kahiye
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 07 Vichaar
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 08 Dhove Man Di Na Mel (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 09 Vichaar (with Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 10 Eho Man Girhi Ke Eho Man Udasi
Vol. 3
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 01 Re Ma Ot Leho Har Naama (Shivranjani)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 02 Har Ko Naam Sada Sukhdaee
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 03 Man Har Ras Sabh Te Meetha Jio
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 04 Amrit Naam Nidhaan Hai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 05 Meri Jindarhiye
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 06 Vichaar
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 07 Piare Guru Amardas (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 08 Vichaar
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 09 Amrit Naam Nidhaan Hai & Anand Sahib
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 10 Ardaas
Vol. 4
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 01 Waheguru Waheguru Wahejio (Chandrakauns)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 02 Waheguru Tera Sabh Sadka
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 03 Kal Taran Gur Nanak Aaya
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 04 Jap Man Satnam Sada Satnam
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 05 Vichaar & Simran
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 06 Gurbani Gawoh (Dharna)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 07 Vichaar
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 08 Man Apna Purana Paapi Tha (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 09 Vichaar & Jap Man Satnam (ending)
Vol. 5
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 01 Thakur Jio Tuharo Parna (Shivranjani)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 02 Ja Too Mere Val Hai
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 03 Prabh Ju To Kai Laaj Hamari
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 04 Vichaar
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 05 Main Apne Bharat Desh (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 06 Anandpur Diyan Galliyan (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 07 Vichaar
Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 08 Guru Dashmesh Piare (Dharmak Kavta)
Wonderful
I am his son who plays tabla with him you can contact diwana jee on +919815087368 or contact me on +919478544639
Thank you, we will get in touch soon.
When I was in Nairobi Kenya I use to listen him ,he is very talented artist .
Sat Siri Akal Ji. Any plans to visit Birmingham, England ?
Harvinder Singh Ubhi