The rap duo from Kashmir, Humaira Jan and MC Raa, have made waves online with their hit ‘Badalta Kashmir,’ a song born from their desire to voice the realities they witness. The track, which celebrates the transformative strides in the Kashmir Valley following the revocation of Article 370, quickly hit the 1 million mark in views on its debut day. It has since garnered attention and shares from notable figures, celebrities, and influencers nationwide.
The Indian government took to Instagram to feature the song on their official page, praising it with the caption, “The youth of Kashmir have spoken, that too through an energetic rap song! Listen to the song that encapsulates the emergence of #NayaKashmir.”
MC Raa, whose birth name is Mohammad Rasik Ahmad Sheikh, comes from the village of Pirpora in Shopian, located in southern Kashmir. At just 21 years old, the rapper has already become a social media phenomenon. He shares, “This song attempts to capture the ongoing progress in Kashmir. It’s inspired by developments like the Smart City initiative and the success of the G-20.”
The Kashmiri rap duo, Humaira and MC Raa, have taken the internet by storm with their viral hit ‘Badalta Kashmir.’ This powerful track, which heralds the positive changes in the Kashmir Valley post-Article 370’s abrogation, swiftly surpassed one million views on its release day. The song has since received widespread recognition and shares from prominent personalities, celebrities, and influencers across the country.
The Indian government celebrated the song on Instagram, featuring it on their official page with the caption: “The youth of Kashmir have spoken, that too through an energetic rap song! Listen to the song that encapsulates the emergence of #NayaKashmir.”
Who is Kashmiri Rapper Humaira Jan
Humaira, a student from an Army school in Ganderbal, began to rap when she was in the ninth grade. However, she maintains a low profile due to the fear of backlash. She said, "Even now, many people have negative opinions about a teenage girl rapping independently in Kashmir
Humaira Jan (13) daughter of Mehraj ud din Magray resident of Thune kangan in Ganderbal who is a student of class 9th has been performing songs on issues but women empowerment remains her main focus.
“Ever since I was introduced to hip-hop in second grade, I’ve been passionate about writing and performing songs,” Humaira said.
Last year, she showcased her talent in a rap battle at Manasbal, clinching the top spot in the competition.
Humaira’s music is driven by a commitment to women’s empowerment, as she aspires to see women attain the rights and recognition they deserve.
She encourages the youth to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination, confident that they will ultimately succeed.
Bilal Ahmad, the Principal of Army Goodwill School Margund, expressed immense pride in having such a gifted student, extending his best wishes for her future endeavors.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind their rap song, Humaira recalls her grandparents’ stories about the less developed state of Kashmir in the past, where journeys from their home to Srinagar were lengthy due to poor road conditions. Today, she notes, the trip takes merely 30 to 40 minutes, symbolizing the region’s progress.
In her own district of Ganderbal, Humaira points to significant infrastructure projects like the Zojila tunnel and the operational Wail Bridge as examples of development that have had a direct impact on her life.
hip-hop came in second grade
Discussing her musical journey, Humaira shares that her introduction to hip-hop came in second grade with YoYo Honey Singh’s album ‘Desi Kalakaar.’ This sparked her interest in the genre, leading her to follow various hip-hop artists and sing along to their tracks, though initially without serious intent.
Her casual interest in hip-hop transformed into a dedicated pursuit after participating in a rap competition in Ganderbal in August 2021, an opportunity presented to her by her school. With her parents’ support, she took part in the event, marking a turning point in her life.
Adding to her intriguing background, Humaira also served as a body-double for the character Shahida (Munni, portrayed by Harshaali Malhotra) in Salman Khan’s hit film ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan,’ showcasing her versatility and talent beyond music.
Humaira’s musical influences include Indian hip-hop artist MC Bella and the late American rapper XXXTENTACION. She aspires to continue her rap career and dreams of collaborating with other Indian artists, particularly Raftaar, whom she holds in high regard. “It’s my dream and hope someone can introduce me to him,” she expresses.
Aware of the challenges that lie ahead, Humaira remains resolute in her journey. She offers words of encouragement to other young girls with aspirations: “There will always be those who try to discourage you. Don’t let their negativity impact you, or you’ll end up feeling miserable and disappointed. I’m not an idol or a sensation; I’ve dealt with trolls and negative comments too. But I choose to focus on the positive feedback and keep moving forward. We only live once, and I don’t have time for regrets,” she states with conviction.
Keep Reading
- New Report Shows Earth’s Ecosystems On The Brink Of Collapse
- COP28 Introduces Hydrogen Standards Amid Debate On Environmental Impact
- 10 Keys To Understanding Current Climate Situation On Earth
Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected].