In eastern Sudan, 14-year-old Hanim Mohammed uses rap music to uplift families displaced by war. Her performances bring joy and moments of respite from the devastation of conflict. Despite facing severe hardships, she expresses her dreams of becoming a surgeon while continuing to write music that captures her grief and memories of home.
In a makeshift shelter located in eastern Sudan, 14-year-old Hanim Mohammed utilizes her rap music to provide solace to families displaced by the ongoing war. Her nostalgic lyrics evoke memories of life before conflict, bringing moments of joy amid despair. “When I play rap songs, everyone sings with me. This makes me so happy,” stated Mohammed, whose radiant smile reflects her passion for music.
At a UN-supported venue within the shelter, the young rapper Nana engaged the audience with her vibrant performance. Families gathered, sharing laughter and rhythm, momentarily escaping the harsh realities of their situation since the war began in April 2023. This conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 12 million people, is described by the International Rescue Committee as the “biggest humanitarian crisis ever recorded.”
Nana’s performances have resonated deeply with her audience, with fans expressing gratitude for the joy her music brings. “The joy she brings is indescribable,” remarked Najwa Abdel Rahim, while Deir Fathi noted, “I feel comfort and excitement when I listen to her music.” Mohammed fled her hometown, Omdurman, with her family, finding refuge in a secondary school in Port Sudan, where she channels her grief through rap music.
The memories of her vibrant city fuel her creativity, inspiring her poignant track “The Omdurman Tragedy,” where she articulates the confusion and pain of war. “You sit silently, and a fire breaks out. What do you do? Your brain itself is confused,” she conveys in her lyrics. Her passion for rap was ignited over the years, but the outbreak of war compelled her to write more seriously, resulting in nine songs thus far.
Living in cramped quarters with numerous displaced families, Mohammed also faces daily challenges such as securing clean water. “The most difficult thing I faced was the water,” she explained, highlighting the difficulties posed by the region’s long-standing water crisis. Despite Sudan’s abundant water sources like the Nile River, over 48 million people are affected by scarcity exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
Nonetheless, Mohammed remains undeterred, finding strength in her music which has become a vital lifeline for herself and her audience. Her aspirations extend beyond music; she hopes to become both a surgeon and a renowned rapper. Above all, she expresses a profound wish: “The biggest wish I hope for is for the war to stop.”
The article centers on Hanim Mohammed, a 14-year-old rapper from Sudan, who uses her music to provide comfort to families affected by war. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread displacement, impacting millions. Despite the dire circumstances, Mohammed’s artistry serves as a beacon of hope for her community, exemplifying resilience in the face of adversity.
Hanim Mohammed’s story illustrates the power of music to inspire joy and unity in times of hardship. Through her rap, she not only preserves her memories of home but also fosters a sense of community among displaced individuals. As she dreams of a future free from conflict, her determination to succeed as both a surgeon and a rapper underscores the enduring human spirit amidst turmoil.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com