Women Power: Breaking Barriers in Tamil Rap

Tamil Nadu’s first all-women rap crew, Sollisai Sistahs, is making waves in the male-dominated rap scene. Formed just two months ago, the crew comprises Abishaa, Kavya, Raaga Kaatralai, and Neya. With performances covering issues from period leaves to NEET exams, they aim to counter the prevailing misogyny in rap. Despite the challenges, including censorship of lyrics, the crew remains unwavering in its commitment to political messaging on feminism and social justice. They aspire not only to continue performing but also to encourage more women to join the Tamil Nadu rap scene. Abishaa, the crew’s coordinator, emphasizes the need for stronger female voices in rap to challenge existing narratives. The crew acknowledges the difficulties of balancing their rap careers with full-time jobs and education. While Abishaa faces challenges in juggling her role as a creative producer with Sollisai Sistahs and her job, Neya, a class 10 student, efficiently manages her studies and rap, supported by her parents. Despite facing criticism and having to clarify their stance as not being ‘man-haters,’ the crew remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting awareness about gender issues. They see the current censorship as an opportunity to expose societal reluctance to discuss certain topics openly. In the future, Sollisai Sistahs aims to grow and form separate teams for various artistic elements, advocating for more women’s participation in the industry. The crew recognizes the lack of organization among women rappers in the state and aims to create space for more women by providing guidance and mentorship. Abishaa and the crew express their passion for not only gaining popularity but also paving the way for other women to enter the rap industry, highlighting the importance of unity and support among female artists.

_{Repurposed article originally published in The News Minute}