#world rap

soooo good

Afghanistan has recently seen the unexpected rise in popularity for the country’s first ever female rapper. Sosan Firooz, at only 23, has been brave enough to pursue a music career, which is frowned upon in Afghanistan by most and not seen as a serious career choice for a woman. What adds insult to injury for a lot of Afghan people is the fact that within this musical career Sosan has chosen rap music, a male dominated industry that is known for being outspoken against dominant socio-political ideals and hegemonic practices. In keeping with raps true ethos, Sosan’s lyrics speak of political suppression and discrimination, the repression of women, poverty and the struggle of displaced Afghans in Iran and Pakistan.

Her career choice has caused isolation from certain family members, namely her Uncle, while her father fears for her safety and has appointed himself as Sosan’s full-time bodyguard. Travel to the Middle East for most Westerners can be daunting; while many admire the ancient cultures and traditions of the country's, some find the unequal treatment of men and women to be unjustifiable. With Sosan wearing a skull-patterned bandana with her long hair exposed instead of the traditional hijab some find this offensive, thus exposing her to certain dangers. However, this has not stopped Sosan Firooz who is gradually gaining an international as well as local following through social media platforms such as YouTube. Her first song, which can be heard on YouTube, was arranged by Fared Rastagar, a well-known Afghan singer and composer. Rap music and hip hop are only slowly gaining popularity in Afghanistan in recent years, with the music giving the voice to an increasingly disenchanted society.

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