Kashmir Rapper With peace returning to Kashmir after several decades of terrorist violence, youth are getting a second chance to pursue their dreams. And music is one weapon that the youth of the valley now pick up to earn their place under the sun.
One name among these youth is Anam Nasir, who has emerged as the most sought-after rapper in recent times. Eighteen-year-old Anam is popularly known as Annie in the world of rapping. At the age of 7, she started getting interested in rap.
She has been influenced by Pakistani rap musician Talha Anjum since childhood as his songs are related to the common people's life.
Anam also wants the same connection with her songs.
When Anam took his first step in the world of rapping, she encountered death threats. The conservatives within the community did not like her choice because she is a girl.
“They wanted to scare me by giving threats. They wanted to break my spirits. But I am not afraid of anyone. I don't care about anyone. And no, I will not bow down to anyone," she says.
While she is pursuing her graduation, she is posting videos on her YouTube channel.
Her songs cater to different topics and laced with different tunes.
Her first video came under the name 'Last Ride', which was in memory of her friend, who had died in a road accident.
Anam says that she learned the techniques of rapping online. Because it was not easy for her to learn in Kashmir.
When she uploaded her first video on Instagram, she had to hear many threats and abuses. Due to it she had to distance herself from social media as well.
She says that 'even after these threats, I got a lot of support from my mother'.
"She supported me even after tolerating people's taunts. My relatives kept blaming my mother for spoiling me. They used to ask my mother to stop me from pursuing such things. But my mother always stood by me like a rock," she says.
Anam has done many stage performances in the state.
Anam now uploads videos showing her face regardless of the threats, where she is seen in Hijab.
She says that “if your passion is insane, you will never back down.” She says“she wants to inspire other girls.
"Whatever you want to do, do without fear," Anam signs off.
(The writer is a freelance journalist, lawyer and social worker based in New Delhi.)
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