Mumbai is the open hearted, heart melting city with various cultures, a new voice is rising from slum, challenging social norms and enmities this voice belongs to Saniya MQ. A young woman who is emerged as Rap artist and beacon Change for the society.
Saniya’s journey is not just about music. As she grown up in densely populated slum of govandi, Shivaji Nagar, Mumbai She had witnessed many more challenges faced by women’s, girls in her community. Limits in education, gender inequality, cultural restrictions, wear the daily battles, Saniya’s story is also extraordinary transformation, the driven by spirt and determination. To use her talent for better purpose.
Saniya’s intention to enter in the world of rap was influencive. She is just 17-year-old hip hop artist. she reveals her work with EP with a team of underground rapers and producers. EP speaks on the problems and challenges faced by the society. No artist is paid, every artist is supported by each other’s says Saniya, as she is best in slow paced rap which is easier for listeners to understand and rap. But for the EP Saniya put the step forward for fast rapping’s as an artist she doesn’t want to limit herself .so she games on raping in various rhythms.
In the young age she stumbled upon the local code languages where young man expresses the anger, frustration, dreams through free style rap. Saniya felt an instant connection besides male domination she started her verse rhymes with her own words and pouring own emotions into her lyrics.
From past three years she is struggling with industry Saniya is meeting hip-hop artists, beat producers, and sound engineers for project. through her raps Saniya raises questions on education system which is not equal for all “If we have a free education System”
When she started, she was just 12years old girl not knowing how to play with words how to please audiences later she uses to post her audios on YouTube in 2016. She began to share videos in 2021 as she was suggested by many rap artists, how peoples love matters to the artists, people like to watch as much they listen.
During covid 19 she saw many girls forcefully married that time she wrote ‘Chalo Thik Hai’ (it’s ok) with those helpless feelings. Apnalaya the NGO in her locality organized an awareness campaign where she raped first time in public, she shared her glimpse of proud moments from her mother, how she came and hugged her after the performance. Later she performed in the show “Hunarbaj” and till then her father also started supporting her, she shared a dream to become an iconic writer, currently she is perusing masters in Mass media.
Beyond the cultural issues, Saniya’s rap battles also made a direct argument with patriarchy which eradicates much of socio believes of her community. Her lyrics addresses the domestic violence, child girl marriage, dowry act. And many more issues were highlighted. Songs like (Nayi Soch) New thinking, and Azadi Freedom, deeply rooted with societal issues of women’s and against patriarchy.
A young woman chasing dreams, came from the poorest background from the slum of Mumbai, shared her views with her talent making people aware, becomes the most influencive young artist. Saniya’s impact beyond music, she became an influencer and mentor for many girls. Her voice is courageous voice, which is raised and gave the glimpse of change.
https://www.instagram.com/saniya_mq/#
By- Shilpa Chalke