Mehroob Mushtaq
“Kashmir has her heroes that we will never forget.
What happened to you puppets,
Why are you loading your pockets?
What happened to this paradise?
Praying for your rise
We lost many futures,
and we are waiting for the rise.”
These powerful lyrics, from Syed Musaib Bukhari, better known by his stage name MC Musaib, capture the essence of his music and his journey. His is a story of passion, perseverance, and triumph over adversity.
Rap is an effective medium of messaging for him.
“It’s all about rhythm and poetry and it helps to articulate a certain cultural perspective while amplifying the voices of the marginalized,” says the young rapper and music producer, whose raw authenticity and fearless approach have earned him a devoted following across social media platforms.
Musaib belongs to a new generation of Kashmiri artists who are using hip-hop and rap to chronicle their lived experiences and social realities in Kashmir. Like many of his friends, he took to rap in 2009 and began using music and poetry to paint vivid pictures of daily life – everything from deeply personal to the broader issues around him – churning out compelling narratives that resonate deeply with the youth.
MC Musaib’s impact goes beyond music. He uses his voice and his poetry to raise awareness about social issues and fight against injustice. His songs, like “Kashmir Kya Tha Pehle, Ab Kashmir Ki Haalat Dekho”, “Roti Maa, Unke Pass Jake Unki Ankhon Se Pucho,” highlight the struggles faced by the people of his homeland.
Sitting on the banks of Jhelum, he says, music is not just something aesthetic but also a tool for social change. “It is also about connecting with the world,” he adds. His music is a testimony to that. From a small-town boy hailing from the HMT area on the outskirts of Srinagar city, he is now making waves in the music industry.
Known for his soulful voice and powerful lyrics, Musaib’s 15-year journey is one of perseverance, family support, and creating a niche for himself.
Growing up in the beautiful yet challenging environment of Jammu and Kashmir, music became his outlet for expression and he found solace and expression in the world of rap music.
At a time when opportunities for local artists were limited, Musaib saw music as not just a hobby, but a path to express his emotions and connect with people. However, his passion for music was not initially supported by his family.
“My father didn’t support me at first. He thought that music couldn’t be a stable career and wanted me to pursue something more conventional,” Musaib recalls. Despite this, his mother and sister believed in him wholeheartedly.
“They were the ones who stood by me from the beginning. Their support was the key to my success,” he says with gratitude.
With the encouragement of his mother and sister, Musaib didn’t let the lack of initial support from his father stop him. He continued pursuing his dreams, tirelessly working on his rap skills and music production. The struggle wasn’t easy, but Musaib was determined to make a name for himself.
His big break came when he performed live at a major event. It was a turning point in his career and in his relationship with his father.
“When my father saw me perform in front of a large crowd, he cried. He realized how much I had achieved and how far I had come. After that, he started supporting me fully,” Musaib shares, reflecting on the emotional moment that changed his father’s perspective.
Musaib’s dedication to his craft eventually paid off. He became the only artist from Jammu and Kashmir to be praised by two of the biggest names in the Indian rap scene: Bohemia and Badshah. Their recognition greatly boosted his confidence and helped him gain more attention in the industry.
In 2021, Musaib’s hard work was acknowledged at a larger scale when he was awarded the Young Achievers Award by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha. This honour, which celebrated his contributions to the music industry, was a significant milestone in his career.
“Receiving the Young Achievers Award was like a dream come true. It felt like all the hard work and sacrifices were finally paying off,” Musaib says, while reflecting on the moment. The award solidified his place as one of the top emerging artists from the region.
Musaib continues to create music that resonates with his fans. His songs often reflect his personal experiences and the challenges he faced growing up in a region that’s not always easy for artists to thrive in.
His songs are an articulation of his personal pain and the collective suffering he sees around, as well as the ironies of life, while also reflecting a love and passion for the land he belongs to.
This is poignantly summed up in one of his lyrics:
Kashmir Kitna Aage hai
Dekho kitna door hai
Kashmir ki haalat ko dekh kar
Ab sab ki ankhein choor hain…
“I’ve learned that persistence, passion, and belief in yourself can help you overcome any obstacle,” Musaib says. The path was not without struggles, he reveals. “I worked tirelessly to improve my rap skills and learn about music production….. the journey was challenging but I refused to give up,” he adds.
From performing alongside legends to being the only Kashmiri rapper to share a talk show with Badshah, Musaib has achieved what many thought impossible.
The national recognition he has received proves that with passion, perseverance, and the support of loved ones, dreams can be achieved even in the face of adversity.
His story symbolises resilience and continues to inspire many young artists, especially those from Jammu and Kashmir, to pursue their passion and never give up on their dreams.
“I hope my journey can inspire others to follow their dreams, no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem,” he says with a smile.
(*The author is on X @MehroobM)
—–
Have you liked the news article?