‘Conscious Hip-Hop’ or ‘Protest-themed Rap Music’ to make it more understandable to the common man is a genre of music that is attracting discerning listeners in the Kashmir Valley, particularly over the last year-and-a-half.
Young men and women can be seen choosing scenic locations in Srinagar chilling out in parks or by the side of a lake, or on the banks of the Jhelum River, churning out rap-specific lyrics that more often than not reflect angst about happenings in society; incidents in day-to-day life.
Most of these youngsters are in their late teens, early twenties and most definitely below 30. They spend a lot of time in isolation, working out on the lyrics, giving it rhythm and putting it to music – fine tuning their songs to make them more attractive before releasing them on popular streaming platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
We met and interviewed Kashmir’s youngest rapper, Anam Nazir, more popularly known across the Valley as “Rapper Rani”.
The interview:
BK: What is your name and since when have you been involved with rap music?
Anam Nazir: My name is Anam Nazir and my stage name is “Rapper Rani”. I have been involved with the genre of rap since I was in the seventh standard. When I started out, I simply had no idea how to start, or where to start from.
BK: You have become some sort of sensation in the genre of rap music, so much so that you are regarded as Kashmir’s youngest rapper. Can you describe your journey thus far; what kind of preparation did you have to do?
Anam Nazir: Yes, for the first few years after I got interested in rap music in the seventh standard, it was very difficult. I had to practice day in and day out and about seven months’ back; I finally had the confidence and the required support to start posting my songs on YouTube. People got to know who “Rapper Rani” is.
BK: What have you gained from this exposure?
Anam Nazir: I have already done six musical tracks of rap, out of which one titled – “Let it Be” – has been recorded and picturised. I have learnt the nuances required for rap music and singing on streaming platforms; how to mix and match, what goes into “mix mastering” and “output”, etc.
BK: Have you found it difficult to make a mark?
Anam Nazir: Oh Yes! It has been very difficult. When I entered the field, I faced a lot of criticism from society. Society is very quick to judge you; and that too on an everyday basis. So much so, that whenever I used to step out of my home, there was this lurking fear in one’s mind, saying ‘God, hope nothing untoward happens’. You get threats as well; in your DMs, you get abused, people question you as to why you are doing this kind of music, you should not be doing rap. But my view is that if you pay attention to these comments; you will not be able to do anything in life.
BK: What in your view is the biggest necessity to realise your aspirations and dreams?
Anam Nazir: Family support is an absolute must and I have got that unconditionally and feel very good about it. My father, in particular, is my biggest support. He has been present throughout this journey of mine in the Rap world. He is my backbone, and therefore, what society thinks overall, really does not bother or matter to me.
BK: Can you tell us which persons have inspired you?
Anam Nazir: Well there is Ahmed Sir and Raftar Sir, besides others. Rap is a growing music genre in Kashmir.
BK: What are your views on the hip-hop scene in Kashmir?
Anam Nazir: It is growing gradually; it is emerging from the underground. Kashmir’s hip-hop is moving forward. I see a lot of girls being involved; I don’t really know who all by name, or how many, but they are out there performing. When I started out, it was very difficult to make an impression. It took a lot of time to be able to compete with the boys, etc. We need more platforms to express ourselves; there are just a few avenues at present to do so; to showcase talent.
BK: Any message for the youth of Kashmir?
Anam Nazir: If you are really passionate about something, try and convince your family first and foremost. Till you don’t do that, it is difficult to begin, let alone make a mark. If such attempts are not successful, you need to have the will and the courage to go ahead with your aspiration; to realise your passion. If, however, you are doing music to pass time, don’t pursue it.