The unsung heroes: Mumbai’s slum champion Saniya MQ’s rap battles against cultural bans and patriarchy

Amid the ongoing burqa ban in NG Acharya and DK Marathe College, Chembur - Mumbaikar Saniya Kaiyumuddin Mistri (Saniya MQ) has found her catharsis in music. Hailing from Govandi, the daughter of an auto driver, Saniya stands resolved to wear her hijab, regardless of the need for acceptance.

In an interaction with Midday, the 18-year-old rapper says, "It's not a hijab ban, but a ban on culture. The authorities have not only banned the burqa but every symbol that depicts religious sentiments or culture. In a WhatsApp circular, we have been asked to refrain from wearing rudraksh, teeka, cross, kada or anything that signifies faith."

Such bans have happened earlier also in the same institute in 2023, informs Saniya. However, due to massive resistance from students - the college had to roll back the ban. Yet, the girls are at the crossroads again as they face a threat to their identity.

Also Read: Mumbai: Burqa ban back in Chembur college

Parallelly, India is not unfamiliar with hijab bans, having faced similar controversies in various regions, including the significant case in Karnataka (2022) where the High Court upheld hijab bans by educational institutes. These incidents highlight ongoing tensions between religious expression and institutional regulations. Moreover, they wield a limitation on freedom of expression and the freedom to practice one's faith.

As students are thrown into a frenzy over the shifting uniform policies, Saniya has chosen to withdraw from college and focus solely on her music career. "This isn't my battle - I have a dream I need to stay true to."

While she dons a hijab - she also stands clear not to mingle her faith with her music. "The music I make caters to listeners from diverse faiths. Hence, I have a higher responsibility to make music void of religious content. No community or religion is above any other," says Saniya in a candid conversation about music making, influences, challenges and her dreams.

Sigma male syndrome
In the world of rap, objectifying women or using them as props in music videos is a widespread norm. However, Saniya points out, that when women step into the rap scene with compelling lyrics, it not only challenges male egos but also attracts unwarranted criticism.

Further, Saniya calls it ‘the sigma male syndrome' that prompts male audiences to ridicule a female rapper. "Such men tend to believe that belittling women boosts their self-worth. The harassment continues - they continue to spit hate in person and post offensive comments on social media, telling women what to wear and how to be."

Another fatal combination is when the so-called ‘sigma male' turns to the art of rap. For them, cussing, dissing, objectifying, maligning and using a woman in their rap videos is a matter of flex - outlines Saniya. "Many rappers adopt this methodology in a bid to imitate rappers from the West. It convinces them they're the big fish in the rapper pond."

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Rappers often resort to such tropes, mistakenly thinking it boosts their coolness quotient. However, this trend highlights a deeper issue of gender inequality in the industry. Saniya, however, fiercely resists conforming to this norm, standing up against undignified portrayal of women.

A stereotype she is often subjected to is the consumption of illicit substances. In her experience, cops often stereotype all musicians as drug users, perpetuating unfair assumptions. This generalisation overlooks the diversity within the music community and leads to unjust scrutiny. In addition to this, she confronts more societal taboos, but they have not dampened her spirit to make music and wield the power of pen.

Rapping about society, women and patriarchy
Through her verses, Saniya targets the perils of patriarchy, social issues, gender inequality, poverty and polity. Her track ‘naari' from ‘sheher' EP traces the celebrated birth of a woman, culturally referred to as ‘devi,' and how upon turning an adolescent - loses control over her life's narrative. ‘Don't wear shorts,' ‘do not step out,' ‘Do not speak with boys,' ‘What's the need to study after 12th grade?' and so on - as women, we have all come across deprecatory remarks that limit our agency.

Observing the plight of women in her surroundings, Saniya articulates how they still continue to bear the brunt of patriarchy. "In certain sections of Indian society, women lack the freedom to work and are kept indoors - which is not even the real problem."

She continues, "The real problem is that women are viewed as inferior to men. They are expected to live and thrive in the shadow of men. Consequently, they are stripped of their role in decision-making and voicing their opinions." Commenting on the derogatory remarks faced by working women, Saniya recounts that they are viewed with suspicion and their caliber is always in question.

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Living in a patriarchal society has subjected Saniya to difficult scenarios. However, the source of the never-give-up attitude - her mother shields her from societal pressure. "One while shooting, an elder man from my locality objected and questioned my line of work." Despite the flak, her mother politely replied - I am aware of what she is doing and we don't need interventions.

"Today, when I come back from the recording studio - my head is held high and my focus is razor sharp. I don't pay heed to their words," articulates Saniya.

Her rap ‘Ladke,' questions the normative gender roles dictated by society. "Why can't boys cry? Their emotions are equally valid and we cannot chain them into social constructs defined by age-old stereotypes," Saniya harks back to this track she released on YouTube in 2021.

In 'Footpath,' the song tells the story of people cast aside by society, now living on the streets. They exist along the routes taken by travelers and commuters. "What are their dreams? Where do they wish to go?" asks the probing musician.

‘Reality of lockdown' is another musing that encapsulates familial conundrums induced by the pandemic. Problems extended upto joblessness, food shortage and the fight for survival. She concludes how humanity shined through as help poured in from social networks.

Her tryst with music
Saniya's notebooks from her school days were often filled with rhythmic scribbles on the back pages. In sixth grade, she enjoyed crafting poetry, pushing herself with various compositions and lyrics. Two years later, with a repertoire of lyrical comebacks, Saniya began rapping. By 10th grade, she pursued rap as her passion, aspiring to become a notable rapper. In 2021, she started her YouTube channel, which has since grown to 14.2K followers.

"Jaanta Hai Kaun," her most popular video focusing on the tales of slum dwellers, is her prized piece. During her four-year journey, she has not only mastered the art of lyrics but also acquired skills in audio and video production. With a dream to expand her audience, she persistently strives to enhance her abilities as a rapper.

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