In a groundbreaking move, two teenagers from Dharavi, Mumbai’s sprawling slum, have dropped their inaugural EP, ‘Baccha Kisko Bol Raha Hai’, under the patronage of Zoya Akhtar’s label. Saniya M, 18, and Ayush, known as Kavikaar, 19, delve into themes of adolescent turmoil, jubilance, and the mundane in their lyrical compositions.
The genesis of this creative journey traces back to a decade ago when the late Samir Bangara and Dolly Rateshwar, with the assistance of Mumbai’s hip-hop collectives, established a community hub within Dharavi. Serving as a haven for budding talents, this initiative blossomed into The Dharavi Dream Project (TDDP), nurturing a cohort of poets, lyricists, and artists driven by an unyielding desire to articulate their narratives through music.
The EP, helmed by Hashbass and curated by Ankur Tewari, transcends conventional boundaries, exploring realms of imagination, camaraderie, and the quest for knowledge. Drawing inspiration from her childhood poetry, Saniya meticulously honed her craft, discreetly navigating hip-hop tutelage under MC Heam, unbeknownst to her mother, leveraging a clandestine pact to balance academics with artistic pursuits.
On the other hand, Kavikaar’s artistic journey burgeoned under the influence of his elder sibling and icons like DIVINE and Emiway Bantai. His lyrical compositions, delving into quotidian experiences and societal reflections, resonated profoundly with peers, propelling him into the limelight of Dharavi’s burgeoning hip-hop scene.
Tiger Baby Records, renowned for its eclectic repertoire, recognized the raw talent exuded by Saniya and Kavikaar, embracing their narrative with fervor. Ankur Tewari lauds their prowess, highlighting the authenticity embedded within their storytelling. Saniya’s lyrical prowess serves as a conduit for unfiltered expression, transcending the confines of verbal impediments, while Kavikaar utilizes hip-hop as a potent medium to vocalize his disenchantment with socio-economic disparities.
‘Baccha Kisko Bol Raha Hai’ stands as a testament to Dharavi’s burgeoning hip-hop culture, offering a poignant commentary on life within the labyrinthine alleys of Mumbai’s largest slum. Released on February 2nd across various streaming platforms, the EP heralds a new dawn for indigenous hip-hop, encapsulating the indomitable spirit of Dharavi’s youth.
