Historically, music has been an integral part of protests. Alongside slogans, music has always been one of
the most exemplary forms for expressing dissent. Modern day India has witnessed extreme political unrest
in the past year. From the abrogation Article 370 to the Anti-CAA & NRC protests, the citizens have taken to
the streets to express dissent, in masses that have shaken up even the ignorant and the unaware. A significant
part of the support comes from the music industry. Homegrown music acts like Seedhe Maut to Delhi Sultanate
have churned out anthems based on political opinions. Unabashed, blunt and in your face lyrics make these a
rage amongst the youth that chooses to protest and express one’s political opinion.
Amongst the many pieces of music released in India since December 15, listed below are some of the most popular ones.
'Scalp Dem' By Delhi Sultanate x Seedhe Maut (Prod. By Jawan)
With the recent upsurge of hip-hop in the country, and the genre's roots in protest, it's only natural that majority of the protest music released lies within the realms of hip-hop. On 'Scalp Dem', Delhi Sultanate and Seedhe Maut highlight the atrocities committed against Dalits and Muslims in the name of religion, the hate-mongering against and persecution of minorities and those who oppose the status quo, and the oppressive, totalitarian rule by the pro-Hindu, right-wing government.
'Tukde Tukde Gang?' By Madara (Prod. By Seven & Seven)
Madara holds no punches as he redefines the “tukde tukde gang” (aka what the government and biased media call anyone who opposes the government or the status quo) on this track, his voice amplified by Seven & Seven's irresistibly catchy bass-heavy production. According to him, it's not the rebelling or protesting people, but the “sold-out journalists”, “those silent on rape”, the people “sowing divisions within the country” who are the real tukde tukde gang. He raps: “Yea, what will these bearers of fake degrees teach you / They’ll get you to build a temple and have you fry pakoras (for a living) / This government is slimy, it’s agenda incendiary / This is not a lotus in the filth dude, the lotus itself is the filth.”
'Fight. React. Be a part!' By The Down Troddence Ft. Kel
“Yet another day / Yet another war / Kick another fascist to the wall,” goes the rousing opening of The Down Troddence's power-packed metal anthem 'Fight. React. Be a part!', released in response to NRC and CAA. The harshness of the heavy metal and growling on the track is complemented perfectly by lyrics that aren't a word short of scathing. What's more, instead of simply focusing on critiquing the government, the track also calls out those that are apolitical or silent, even in the face of everything that's happening. As somebody wrote in the comments, “When injustice becomes law.. resistance becomes duty.”
'ANDOLAN' By naqaab47 x Shoals
Ripe with street colloquialism and samples from Bollywood, ‘ANDOLAN’ is an anthemic commentary connecting India’s rich history and the sentiments behind the sacrifices of the nation’s formative revolutionaries to its present-day predicaments. naqaab47’s straight shooting rap over Shoals’ electronic collage sets out to not just condemn the actions of the current regime but rouse, encourage and inspire the people standing up to protect our constitutional values.
'The Police' By Rahul Rajkhowa
Rahul Rajkhowa's 'The Police' may be the most personal track on this list thus far. Hailing from Assam, the young rapper's family and friends have first-hand experienced the violence that has ensued since CAA and NRC were rolled out – his family lives in Assam, whereas his elder sister is currently pursuing her PhD. from JNU and was present on campus during the attack on January 5. And as alumni from JNU himself, the violence that ensued there, as well as in Jamia, certainly hit a nerve.
‘KRANTIKARI’ By Park Circus
Kolkata-based group Park Circus add their own flavour of funk-based basslines and inviting rhythms to their tribute to the brave protestors with ‘KRANTIKARI’. With a positive and proud flair, the rap ridicules the lies and language posed by the opposers of the protests and celebrates the spirit with which people have taken to the streets to protect the secular fabric of the nation.
'Kranti Havi' By Swadesi Ft. Delhi Sultanate
Mumbai’s multilingual, socially conscious hip-hop crew Swadesi's ‘Kranti Havi’ is a call-to-action in tandem with the ongoing protests around the Citizenship Amendment Act and against the divisive and brutal retaliation offered by the government and its officials. With the help of MC and activist Taru Dalmia aka Delhi Sultanate, ‘Kranti Havi’, which translates to “we need a revolution”, chronicles and commends the role of some of the key players in the ongoing protests like BHIM Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad and activist/politician Kanhaiya Kumar, along with the engaged youth at large, while also highlighting the cases of general apathy and bias projected by the current government.
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