Welcome everyone to our exciting interview! We’ve got an incredibly noteworthy encounter lined up for you today, with the rising star of the Indian Hip-Hop scene, hailing all the way from the breathtaking valleys of Kashmir. His name is ‘Qafilah’.
He’s an artist who’s fervently channelling the spirit of his homeland, reflecting its rich heritage, and relaying the lived experiences of his people in a language universally understood – music. His rap isn’t just about rhythm and rhyme. It’s the raw and unfiltered truth of his land, laced with lyrical brilliance.
So without wasting any time let’s begin.
Can you share the story behind your stage name “Qafilah” and its significance in your journey?
Qafilah holds a profound significance in the landscape of my creative exploration. The term itself, rooted in Arabic, translates to caravan in English. A caravan, in its essence, represents a collective journey, a convoy of diverse elements moving together toward a common destination. In the realm of my artistry, Qafilah embodies this caravan—a caravan of words, dreams, and emotions that traverse the landscapes of my mind and heart. Every word I pen down, every rhyme I lay, and every emotion I pour into my work becomes a part of this Qafilah. It symbolizes the collective spirit of creativity, uniting disparate elements into a harmonious procession. In the vast desert of artistic expression, my Qafilah is a caravan that carries the weight of stories untold, dreams unexplored, and emotions unspoken.
How has your Kashmiri background influenced your approach to hip-hop and rap?
Growing up in the rich cultural tapestry of Kashmir has undeniably shaped my approach to hip-hop and rap, infusing my artistic expression with the nuances of my Kashmiri background. The storytelling tradition inherent in Kashmiri poetry became a guiding light for me, steering the direction of my narratives and shaping the way I weave tales through my lyrics.
One of the challenges I faced early on was the perception of a limited audience for hip-hop in Kashmir. The musical landscape in the valley has traditionally been dominated by other genres, and the niche for hip-hop was not as pronounced. Initially, there was a hesitation to fully dive into this genre, fearing that the local audience might not connect with or appreciate the nuances of hip-hop. However, I decided to persevere and let my authenticity shine through in my work. I continued to hone my craft, pouring my Kashmiri experiences and stories into my rhymes. It was a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration, fuelled by a passion to bridge the gap between the contemporary beats of hip-hop and the tales of Kashmir.
Are there specific artists or genres that have had a significant impact on your musical style and storytelling?
Absolutely, my musical journey has been shaped by a diverse range of influences, each leaving a distinct mark on my style and storytelling. In my formative years, Michael Jackson was a monumental influence. I vividly remember putting on my headphones, walking for miles, and immersing myself in MJ’s timeless tunes—his artistry ignited my passion for music.
Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., and Kanye West played a pivotal role in shaping my musical style, particularly my affinity for old-school hip-hop. Their storytelling prowess and rhythmic flow resonated deeply with me, influencing how I approach my own narratives. In the contemporary hip-hop scene, Kendrick Lamar stands out for me. His intricate lyricism, socially conscious themes, and innovative production captivate me. Kendrick’s ability to seamlessly blend storytelling with impactful beats has been a modern-day inspiration, pushing me to evolve my own craft.
In what ways do you think your music contributes to raising awareness about the cultural diversity and socio-political landscape of Kashmir?
While I may consider myself a relatively small artist, my music is an authentic expression of the realities I’ve experienced, intricately intertwined with the socio-political landscape of my hometown, Kashmir. I don’t set out with the intention of creating awareness; rather, I share my personal narratives, letting them naturally reflect the complex socio-political dynamics of the region. In essence, my role as an artist is to share my truth and let the audience connect with the stories I tell. If, in doing so, my music sparks conversations, resonates with individuals, or sheds light on the complexities of Kashmir, then it’s a byproduct of the honesty embedded in my art. Whether I’m contributing to awareness is a judgment best left to the listeners, as they engage with my work.
Your recent collaboration on the track “Mukhtalif” with Tufail and beat producer 30KEY has gained attention. Can you share the creative process behind the song and the significance of collaborating with these artists?
Working with 30KEY is always a pleasure; he’s undoubtedly one of the best talents to emerge from Kashmir—a true gem in the industry. Collaborating with my buddy, Bobby, is consistently enjoyable; man to man, we share a creative synergy that translates into an exciting musical process.
Tufail, with his unmatched flows, was an obvious choice for the drill part of the track. Deep down, we all know that nobody comes close to his level of artistry, and I wanted someone of his calibre to elevate the drill section of Mukhtalif. The chemistry between us was palpable as we sat in SXR Studios earlier this year during Eid, pouring our energy into the song. Remarkably, we managed to complete the track in one sitting, capturing the essence of the moment. However, the creative process didn’t stop there. A few weeks later, we decided to add the drill part to enhance the sonic experience.
Listen to “Mukhtalif” here:
What challenges have you faced as a rapper from Kashmir, and how have they influenced your artistic journey?
Navigating a hip-hop scene dominated by other genres initially fuelled concerns that the local audience might not connect with the nuances of hip-hop. Despite these hurdles, I embraced them as catalysts for creativity, using the challenges to bridge the gap between contemporary hip-hop beats and stories of the self and the region. The socio-political backdrop of Kashmir naturally influences my lyrics, adding authenticity but also carrying the risk of a lot of things. Striking a delicate balance between personal expression and certain sensitivities has become an integral aspect of my artistic journey.
How do you see the role of hip-hop in providing a platform for marginalized voices, particularly those from regions like Kashmir?
Hip-hop serves as a powerful platform for marginalized voices, offering a space for expression, empowerment, and storytelling, especially for those from regions like Kashmir. In areas with complex socio-political landscapes, like Kashmir, hip-hop becomes a tool for artists to amplify their narratives, providing an authentic lens through which to share their experiences. It transcends traditional boundaries, allowing marginalized voices to break through and be heard on a global scale.
Among your own discography, do you have a personal favourite song, and if so, what makes it special to you?
In reflecting on my own discography, I find it challenging to pinpoint a personal favourite among my songs. Each track holds a unique place in my artistic journey, contributing to the mosaic of my creative expression in its own distinct way. Whether it’s the raw emotion, the storytelling, or the rhythmic flow, every song represents a different facet of my experiences and growth as an artist.
Are there any upcoming collaborations or projects that you’re excited about or that fans can look forward to?
Absolutely, there’s a wave of exciting collaborations and projects on the horizon for fans to look forward to. One of the standout collaborations is with Ahmer, promising a track that stands out from both our discographies. I’m also delving into experimentation with different genres and singing styles, aiming to introduce spoken word/poetry into the music scene—something in this realm is in the works with Arslan Nizami.
On a different note, Sufiyan Rouf (Abbadox) and I have received positive responses to our content on Instagram, and we’re planning to channel that energy into some upcoming songs. Additionally, the ongoing creative exchange with Bobby suggests more surprises in terms of potential collaborations. It’s an exciting time with a diverse range of projects in the pipeline, and I can’t wait to share these musical journeys with the audience.
Listen to Qafilah’s tracks on Spotify
