Rap has always been linked with revolution since its inception. Rappers from all over the world used their poetry to narrate their struggles. During segregation and discrimination against black people in the United States, rappers took the microphone as a weapon against the oppressor. This same spirit has been reflected in places like Palestine, Syria, Ukraine, and other regions where injustice is felt.
This past July, rappers played a huge part in inspiring the revolution. Two tracks from the hip-hop group Wrong Side, “Kotha Ko” and “Awaz Uda” by Shezan and Hannan respectively marked the beginning of a series of revolutionary hip-hop music regarding the movement. Later, Hannan’s arrest got huge media attention and public demand for his freedom.
Even Shohanur Rahman Sajol, aka Somrat Sij, demanded Hannan’s freedom despite having an ongoing “beef” (dispute) with Wrong Side. He also released a track named “24er Guerrilla” featuring Sami Tonmoy, Zeeshan, Shooter 47, Rimon Dimon, Soldier BR, and Critical Mahmood. Abir aka Crown Engine, another rapper released “Daam De” just before the internet shutdown.
Md Nirob aka Gold Cube, released a track called “Desh Shongskar” which made him a target of local Chhatra League. He was on the run till August 5. Gold Cube said: “When I released the track, the local members of Chhatra League informed the police. Upon hearing that I immediately left home considering my safety.” According to Gold Cube, police went to his house five times. Regardless of the harassment, he joined the protest while he was on the run.
Saif Khan aka CFU 36 said he experienced the same fate as Gold Cube for his track “Shoirachar.”
Another whopping 50-or-so hip-hop songs were produced during the July Revolution. However, mainstream rappers were mostly absent from the movement. A rapper who released a track during the revolution which got more than half a million views on YouTube expressed his disappointment regarding the support from mainstream rappers. Requesting anonymity he said: “We expected their participation in the movement. Instead, they only provided excuses for their family and career when we the underground rappers did what we could do from our position.”
Muhammad Ibrahim Mojid is a reporter at Dhaka Tribune.
