The Rise of Female Rap in India

MEET IRFANA HAMEED, THE GROUNDBREAKING RAPPER AND SINGER FROM KODAIKANAL, WHO HAS MADE HISTORY AS THE FIRST FEMALE ARTIST SIGNED BY DEF JAM RECORDINGS INDIA LABEL. WITH HER INFECTIOUS TUNES AND CHARMING STAGE PRESENCE, SHE ADDRESSES VITAL ISSUES SUCH AS TAMIL AND MUSLIM CULTURE, AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT THROUGH HER MUSIC. HER DISCOGRAPHY EXPLORES INTO THOUGHTPROVOKING THEMES, INCLUDING ANTI-FASCISM AND FEMININITY, RESONATING WITH AUDIENCES WORLDWIDE. LEARN MORE ABOUT HER JOURNEY AND ASPIRATIONS IN OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW.

- VINITHA VENKATESHA

What has been the most exciting and rewarding experience you've had in your music career so far?

Great shows indeed! I particularly enjoyed performing for the G5A Foundation. During that event, I incorporated poetry readings between my rap songs. Despite the audience not being intoxicated or overly hyped, they attentively listened, and I truly felt heard. It was an intense experience. Additionally, Surf Turf and 50 Years of Hip Hop were also standout performances.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?

I admire the lyrics of artists like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Kendrick Lamar. Their ability to craft meaningful and thought-provoking lyrics resonates with me deeply. Sonically, I find myself influenced by the sound of gangster rap.

What message do you hope to convey through your music?

It's fascinating how my influences vary depending on the song. Sometimes, I delve into themes of love and sensuality, while other times I aim to disrupt the system with my lyrics. At times, my music explores spirituality and the concept of God, while on other occasions; it delves into themes of pain and struggle.