In the 1990s

Bhangra took large steps toward mainstream credibility in the 1990s, especially among youths. At the beginning of the nineties, many artists returned to the original, folk beats away from bhangra music, often incorporating more dhol drum beats and tumbi. This time also saw the rise of several young Punjabi singers.

Beginning around 1994, there was a trend towards the use of samples (often sampled from mainstream hip hop) mixed with traditional folk rhythm instruments such as tumbi and dhol. Using folk instruments, hip hop samples, along with relatively inexpensive folk vocals imported from Punjab, Punjabi folk music was able to abolish Bhangra music.

An influential singer was the "Canadian folkster", Jazzy B. Originally from Namasher in Punjab, "Jaswinder Bains", as he is commonly referred to, his debut was in 1992. Having sold over 55,000 copies of his third album, Folk and Funky, he is now one of the best-selling Punjabi folk artist in the world, with a vocal style likened to that of Kuldip Manak. Although much of his music has a traditional Punjabi folk beat, he is known for having songs that incorporate a hip hop style such as "Romeo". Jazzy Bains gives wide recognition to the success of his many hits to Sukshinder Shinda, who has produced his music.

Other influential folk artists include Surinder Shinda - famous for his "Putt Jattan De" - Harbhajan Mann, Manmohan Waris, Meshi Eshara, Sarbjit Cheema, Hans Raj Hans, Sardool Sikander, Sahotas, Geet the MegaBand, Anakhi, Sat Rang, XLNC, B21, Shaktee, Intermix, Sahara, Paaras, PDM, Amar Group, Sangeet Group, and Bombay Talkie. A dj to rise to stardom with many successful hits was Panjabi MC.