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Azadi In Jingostan? The genius of Dub Sharma from Gully Boy

Finally, India rap scene comes of age. With Gully Boy, we are introduced to the genius rapper and composer Dub Sharma and we couldn’t be happier. With songs like Azadi and Jingostan he has brought India rap scene out of its focus only on “Daru”, “Chokri”, and “Sex” to songs with sharp commentary on socio-political issues.

“Hum lekar rahenge…Azadi”

One of our favorite songs from Gully Boy is “Azadi” by Dub Sharma, featuring Divine. “Azadi” is one great example where Dub Sharma directly uses a real-world socio-political event and rephrases it into a rap song.

The song features “Azadi”, a poem made popular by Kanhaiya Kumar. Kanhaiya Kumar was the JNU student union president who mesmerized crowds at his rallies in the JNU Campus with his social and anti-establishment stance.

Interestingly, the chant originated as a feminist number against patriarchy. It was evolved and popularised by well-known feminist Kamla Bhasin in the women’s movement all over south Asia.

After the whole “JNU is anti-national” scandal, the “jingo-ist” (as Dub Sharma would call them) termed this chant as “Anti-National”. Divine commented that he might be arrested for singing this rap song at one of his recent concerts for Gully Boy. The rap song is a direct commentary on the political system on India.

Hai Haq hamara….Aazadi
Hum lekar rahenge…Aazadi
Dangaaiyo se… Aazadi
Samantvaad se…Aazadi
Sanghvaad se…Aazadi
Bhukhmari se… Aazadi
Punjivaad se…Aazadi
Manuvaad se…Aazadi
Brahamnvaad se…Aazadi
Hai Haq hamara….Aazadi
Hum lekar rahenge…Aazadi

Dub Sharma’s spin adds a new twist to the song. The song features Divine who is known for his strong lyrics.

Azadi was originally released in 2016 and Dub Sharma even wrote a post explaining his motive behind the song title “I hope my song dies”.

Jingostaan Zindabaad

The other song in the album that caught our eye was “Jingostan”. It’s a wordplay on “Jingo+Hindustan”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4QsUgCWXBk

The song is a commentary on India’s political system. It directly comments on how the right-wing politicians use public’s opinions against them.

Pakdoo..Maaro..Kaato..Cheer Do,
Saaf Suthri Chamdiyon Pe Gahre Gahre Neel Do,
Dheere Dheere Saare Khuddar Khud Hi Maan Jayenge,
Inke Pairon Ke Niche Ki Dharti Hai Insse Cheen Lo..

2018 Hai Desh Ko Khatra hai,
Har Taraf Aag Hai
Tum Aag Ke Beech Ho,
Zor Se Chilla Lo Sabko Dara Do,
Apni Zahrili been Baja Ke,
Sabka Dhyan Kheech Lo..
Sabko Chuuna Laga Lo,
Sabko Topi Pahna Do,
Koi Saath Na De To,
Uske Khoon Se Ego Seech Lo..

Jingostaan Zindabaad.. !!
Jingostaan Zindabaad.. !!
Jingostaan Zindabaad.. !!

We are so glad with “Zoya Akhtar” for sharing with us the musical genius of Dub Sharma.

In our research, we saw other songs by Dub Sharma where he composed songs by sampling direct excerpts from Modi’s speech. He has published his compositions on SoundCloud and we highly recommend giving a look at his unique socio-political songs.

The original version of “Azadi: by Kanhaiya Kumar:

Listen to the songs yourself and witness the genius of Divine and Dub Sharma.

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