Zohran Mamdani’s rise sparks a thought: What if Mumbai’s rappers had a platform for change?

Mamdani aka Young Cardamom (centre) in a rap video titled Queen of Katwe. PIC COURTESY/YOUTUBE

If you told us a rapper named Young Cardamom would one day become the Mayor of New York City, quote India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in his winning speech, and finish it with the Dhoom title track, all while standing alongside his wife, Rama Duwaji, whom he met on online dating app Hinge, we'd call it a Gen Z fever dream.

New York City's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani with wife Rama Duwaji (left) after his address at the Election Night Watch. PIC/GETTY IMAGES

Among other commendable feats, Zohran Mamdani, aka Young Cardamom, might have created history by being the first NYC mayor who has a street rapper alias. Closer to home, in Mumbai, a small section of young, ambitious rappers have been using their voice to bring attention to civic issues. With the much-delayed BMC elections expected to be announced soon, the artistes remind us of the issues that matter for Mumbai.

We're in a soup

There might be a reason behind Mumbai's infamous annual waterlogging. In many localities, inadequate garbage disposal, and the lack of dustbins leads to clogged drains, and thus, low lying areas bear the brunt of flooding.

These waters are also ideal breeding grounds for disease. I would like to see better waste management and clean toilets in every neighbourhood. It's exciting to see someone from the hip-hop community in a position of power. It gives us hope that hip-hop can be a gateway to change. But let's not forget that Mumbaikars are equally to blame for incompetent administration. I would like to urge voters to not sell their future for freebies.
Vedant Chorge, lawyer and rapper, Dockyard Road, @emcee_vc_

School chalein, hum?

Saniya Qaiyummuddin Mistri (centre) raps on the streets of Dharavi

Change must begin in the civic body-run schools in the city. Mumbai's children deserve better infrastructure where they feel safe and motivated. Over the past few years, I have seen politicians make promises to renovate old schools, which they conveniently forget once power reaches their hands. Additionally, skill development must become a part of the syllabus as early as middle or high school. Many students cannot spend years in universities before shouldering financial responsibilities. Basic training before they graduate from school will help them find internships and part-time jobs easily.
Saniya ‘MQ' Qaiyummuddin Mistri, rapper, Dharavi,@saniya_MQ

Adivasi rights matter

Aklesh Sutar (centre) with the tribal women of Aarey in a music video

Growing up in and around Aarey Forest, I have seen the forest shrink first-hand. With multiple infrastructural projects lined up, the native Adivasis living in the padas [hamlets] will be the first to feel the heat. We are already seeing rising cases of debris from the city being dumped in our backyards. Our green lungs cannot be turned into dump yards. Mumbai might look swankier five years from today, but it cannot come at the cost of the trees, wildlife and tribal families that call the forest their home.
Aklesh Sutar aka MC Mawali, rapper and #SaveAarey activist, Aarey, @mc_mawali

Love thy neighbour

There is a marked increase in homeless children and families on the streets of Kurla, where I am from. One might question their legal status, but how can you expect these young children to preserve paperwork? A balanced solution must be reached upon. Until then, I'd like to see the administration treat the homeless with empathy. It doesn't take much to be kind, but you need the right people for the job. Setting a lower limit on the level of education when it comes to candidature doesn't sound like a bad idea.
Shafi Shaikh, rapper and social worker, Kurla,@street_hiphop__

It's in the air

I have been travelling across the country to collaborate with artistes and perform at events. One thing that you notice when you enter the city limits is the sorry state of the air quality. While the air becomes un-breathable across the city, the space jam in Mumbai makes it worse. People deserve to live in dignified spaces with room to move and breathe. I would advocate for a cap on maximum rental prices in the city.
Ashwini Hiremath aka Krantinaari, rapper, Andheri, @krantinaari