Malwa Block: The Story Behind the TShirt That Became Cultural Currency

In the summer of 2021, a T-shirt quietly entered the room of Punjabi music culture.

Not with a loud campaign. Not with a retail drop.

It entered through a video — Sidhu Moosewala’s Malwa Block — and stayed in the culture like a tattoo.

Designed between Social Studies, Urban Theka, and the Moosetape team, the shirt went on to become one of the most bootlegged, referenced, and re-shared visuals in punjabi street culture. 

   

When Sidhu Moosewala dropped Malwa Block, it wasn’t just a track.

It was a territorial anthem — a salute to where he’s from, and what he stands for.

So when we were asked to design the visuals and styling for the Malwa Block video, we didn’t just pull out pieces.

We built a statement.

The Design Story

We designed two versions of the Malwa Block T-shirt in collaboration with Sidhu Moosewala and Social Studies — a streetwear label by Urban Theka.

The T-shirts were created in classic black, white, and red — colors chosen for their contrast and visual impact.

• Both designs feature the map of Punjab, with the Malwa region boldly highlighted in red.

• One design carries a special element: Sidhu Moosewala’s thumbprint. (In select pieces) 

• We actually asked Sidhu for his print.

• First time he pressed too hard — all the lines smudged.

• Second time, he did it softer — and that’s the print you see today.

• The signature on the tee is Sidhu’s own — adding even more personal weight to the piece.

The print on the back was done in velvet flock, which gives it a soft, textured feel — not your typical flat screenprint.

It was clean. Bold. Understated, but unmissable.

Cultural Impact 

The Malwa Block tees became an instant cult piece.

They’ve been copied, reprinted, bootlegged — but never replicated.

Why?

Because this was personal. Original. Backed by real artists, real visuals, and a real team.

From Styling to Legacy 

I, Sidak — stylist and creative director — originally stepped in for a one-off photo shot.

But Sidhu and the team insisted I stay for continuity.

I ended up in the full video..

Collaboration & Credits

This wasn’t a one-man project.

Apart from us at Urban Theka & Social Studies, the design was supported by Navkaran Brar, the creative mind behind many of Sidhu’s visuals and posters.

From the typography to the region mapping, the detailing was deeply intentional.

The T-shirts were also worn by Sikandar Kahlon, Wazir, and the rest of the Malwa Block crew — seen throughout the video and beyond.

One-of-One: The Hemp Camouflage

Alongside the tees, we created a custom hemp camouflage jacket worn by Sidhu during the video shoot.

It was a heavyweight, earthy layer with a military feel — raw and rooted.

After the shoot, Sidhu returned the jacket to us, and it now lives in our archive.

It’s a one-of-one piece, never reproduced in the same fabric and fit. A memory in cloth.