Saniya MQ's Qayamat: A powerful rap on war, displacement and accountability

Saniya MQ (left) with Rashid (right) in a still from the song Qayamat. Pic Courtesy/Youtube on @rashidakarichierich

As Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie said while accepting the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2013, "I never understood how I have been lucky enough to get this chance and I'm sure there is a woman who sits across the globe, who is probably a better actress, with the same work ethic, same love for family and same passion, only she sits in a refugee camp." This sentiment forms the basis of Qayamat, a new song by Rashid aka RichieRich featuring Govandi-based rapper Saniya MQ, released on June 23.

Growing up in Mumbai's Govandi, Saniya Mistri found her voice through rap during the COVID-19 pandemic, determined to tell stories often overlooked by the mainstream. Just entering her teen years she began performing at NGO-led community events before sharpening her skills at The Dharavi Dream Project. What sets the young rapper apart is the maturity of her writing - her hard-hitting verses often tackle themes of inequality, communal harmony, women's rights and identity witha conviction well beyond her years.

In a conversation over the phone, 20-year-old Saniya explains, "Rashid was releasing an EP titled Taleem, a six-track Urdu rap album focusing on themes of human connection, patience and positive change amid current geopolitical tensions and the refugee crisis. He was convinced that Qayamat, which translates to Doomsday in Urdu, would do justice if I sang it, and that's how the song came into being." As the song touched themes of the current geopolitical situations, a poignant still from the music video shows two people cradling babies wrapped in white cloth, symbolising innocent lives lost in Palestine. Ultimately, it also reflects upon judgement day, questioning how those responsible for atrocities against humanity will ultimately be held accountable.

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Four voices from the new gen

Prajwal More aka Gracious Punk:
Inspired by Eminem, 19-year-old Prajwal More has carved out a niche with emotionally driven ballads. His single Goodbye, released in April, was inspired by love. His next project speaks of light and hope that an individual can bring into your life.
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Siddhesh Kamble aka Siddberg:
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Siddhant Barsing aka Real Siddhant:
For Siddhant Barsing, rap is a vehicle for social commentary. Inspired by the film Gully Boy (2018), he began writing verses rooted in the realities of his neighbourhood. His debut track, All Eyes on Kolkata (2024), responded to the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, setting the tone for his socially conscious work. He followed it up with Westside Mitra Mandal (2025) and Gujarat Files (2026), continuing to tackle difficult subjects.
Log on to @realsiddhant06

Aadesh Mandlik aka Gthang:
Known by his stage name Gthang, Aadesh Mandlik gained recognition on the rap and cypher circuit in Bhandup with the release of Mayajaal (2025), an exploration of the politics of religion. Inspired by Gully Boy to pursue rap seriously, he has since come full circle, with Gaurav Gambir, better known as D Cypher, and Roshan Gamare, aka Beatstraw - both associated with the film are now his mentors.
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