Mrs Go and Debbie Pari: Trailblazing Tamil Women Rappers
In a whimsical frame, Mrs Go and Debbie Pari, two independent Tamil women rappers, captivate with their latest single ‘Showtime’. The beat quickly builds up as they sit on an ornate throne, delivering a statement cleverly wrapped in snappy beats and engaging visuals that warrant multiple re-watches.
Empowering Female Voices in Tamil Rap
The Tamil rap scene is witnessing a surge in powerful female voices, challenging the dominance of male artistes. While mainstream Tamil cinema has recently embraced rap, women rappers are still a minority. However, a new generation of young women is poised to disrupt this status quo, with more music producers welcoming their talent.
Navz-47, known for her track ‘Neeye Oli’, affirms the changing narrative, stating, “For the longest time, we only heard the man’s point of view.”
Meet the Queens of the Verse
One notable figure is Mrs Go, also known as Rubini Gopinatha, who burst into the scene in 2015 with a poem-turned-rap during her college days at Ethiraj College for Women. Collaborating with fellow indie rapper Asal Kolaar and VC Rapper, she released ‘En Kathai’ in 2018, showcasing life in North Chennai from diverse perspectives.
Debbie Pari, based in Toronto, Canada, infuses her writing with her feminine identity. Drawing inspiration from literary greats like Maya Angelou, Debbie’s journey into rap was driven by a desire to amplify women’s voices.
Embracing Authenticity and Individual Expression
Sabreen Salahudeen, a young mother and rapper, finds solace in the cathartic process of writing and rapping. Her track ‘Thaai’ delves into the intricate emotions of subconscious guilt faced by young mothers.
Despite her Malayali roots, Sabreen embraces Tamil in her art, using her platform to shed light on socio-political realities. Her raw and honest verses resonate with a diverse audience.
Creating a Sense of Belonging
For Tamil diaspora women, rap serves as a medium to find community and express themselves authentically. Navz-47, receiving messages from young girls after performances, emphasizes the significance of Tamil female voices gaining global recognition.
Reflecting on her own journey, Navz-47 draws inspiration from British-Tamil musician M.I.A, who paved the way for Tamil female rappers. Her upcoming album, ‘Fresh off the Boat’, chronicles the immigrant experience.
Fostering a Rap Community
Mrs Go, leading by example, advocates for the inclusion of novice women rappers in the community. Recognizing the lack of female presence in rap battles, she envisions a vibrant community through events and meet-ups to empower aspiring women rappers.
Through rap, these women defy societal norms, using beats and verses to amplify their voices and ignite change.
