In the vibrant landscape of indie hip hop, a dynamic duo emerges onscreen, commanding attention from their elaborate thrones. Mrs Go and Debbie Pari are redefining the scene with their debut single ‘Showtime’, blending astute lyricism and infectious beats in a video that captivates from the outset. The whimsical production invites viewers to relive the spectacle, as Mrs Go delivers her rhymes in a stunning white saree, balancing motherhood and music with her young child by her side.
A surge of praise from the audience, including mothers who see Mrs Go as a role model, floods the comments section. The representation of motherhood adds a profound dimension to her art, resonating deeply with her fans.
In the traditionally male-dominated Tamil rap circuit, a fresh wave of female artists is now sweeping through, armed with potent lyrics and original concepts. Such a renaissance comes after Tamil rap’s more recent successes in the mainstream film industry, yet female voices remain outnumbered. However, the tide is turning as industry doors open wider to embrace the growing talent pool.
Feminine perspectives are becoming increasingly central to the narrative, transforming the rap genre. Navz-47, celebrated for her track ‘Neeye Oli’, asserts the significant shift from a predominantly male point of view.
Among the pioneering figures is Mrs Go, Rubini Gopinatha, who hails from North Chennai, a nurturing ground for Tamil hip hop talent. Her rap journey began in college when a poem captivated her peers with its unique delivery. It wasn’t until 2018 that Mrs Go’s narrative-driven single, ‘En Kathai’, made waves, revealing diverse life perspectives in North Chennai.
Her personal life intertwined with her career when she married Go, another rap artist, making them India’s first rap couple. Significantly, her role as a mother has seamlessly integrated into her art, featuring her child in music videos, behind the scenes of everyday life, depicting an empowering message.
Deborah Sharon, aka Debbie Pari, centers her femininity in her work. Having grown up in choir groups, her love for language was evident early on. Inspired by local and global artists, Debbie’s passion for literature, particularly Maya Angelou’s ‘Phenomenal Woman’, steered her towards hip hop. This led her to write her own verses instead of performing ghost-written material. Debbie’s journey continues with the impending release of her first extended play (EP).
Newcomer Sabreen Salahudeen, a single mom who gave up her profession to pursue music, credits rap’s appeal to its capacity for personal expression. Her track, ‘Thaai’, explores the complex emotions of motherhood. Though of Malayali descent, she finds solace in expressing herself through Tamil lyrics. She seeks to use her platform to raise socio-political awareness among her contemporaries.
Navz-47, born in Sri Lanka and now based in Canada, serves as an inspiration to many. Messages from young Tamil girls flood her inbox after performances, highlighting the power of a Tamil woman’s voice on a global stage. Her own musical journey, marred by hardship and cultural shock, brought forth songs addressing her experiences. Her upcoming album, ‘Fresh off the Boat’, is a narrative of immigration and identity.
Back in Chennai, Mrs Go works towards building an inclusive community through collaborative projects with aspiring female rappers. Her endeavor to encourage more women into the scene by organizing events and meet-ups resonates with her audience as they confront societal expectations.
The rise of these trailblazers in Tamil rap musters beats, rhythms, and lyrics to voice the unspoken fears and dreams of women. As the tempo of change accelerates, a lyrical revolution unfolds, heralded by the queens of the verse.
