In a makeshift shelter in eastern Sudan, 14-year-old Hanim Mohammed uses rap music to comfort families displaced by the ongoing war. Her lively performances evoke nostalgic memories of life before the conflict while providing a momentary escape for the audience. Despite difficult living conditions and a severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, Mohammed’s resilience and passion for music serve as a beacon of hope amid despair.
In eastern Sudan, 14-year-old Hanim Mohammed utilizes her rap music to provide solace to families affected by the ongoing war. Inside a makeshift shelter located in a schoolyard, her nostalgic lyrics evoke memories of life before conflict, allowing people to momentarily escape their reality. “When I play rap songs, everyone sings with me. This makes me so happy,” she expressed, beaming with joy as she captivates her audience.
At a United Nations-sponsored gathering in the shelter, her performing persona, Nana, took to the stage with vibrant energy. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and applause as the crowd swayed to the rhythm, choosing joy over the despair inflicted by the war that has raged in Sudan since April 2023. Despite the war claiming countless lives and displacing over 12 million people, Mohammed’s performances remind them to embrace moments of happiness.
The conflict, characterized by a power struggle between army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has resulted in what the International Rescue Committee deems the largest humanitarian crisis. Attendees of Mohammed’s performances, such as Najwa Abdel Rahim and Deir Fathi, passionately affirm that her music brings comfort and joy amid their suffering.
After fleeing her hometown of Omdurman, Mohammed now resides in Port Sudan alongside her family in cramped quarters shared with other displaced families. Through her rap, she articulates the pain of loss while cherishing fond memories of her hometown. “You sit silently, and a fire breaks out. What do you do? Your brain itself is confused,” she remarks about her poignant track called “The Omdurman Tragedy.”
While her love for rap has grown over the years, the circumstances of war propelled her to begin writing lyrics, resulting in nine original songs thus far. “Most of the songs I composed were for the place I love the most and where I grew up — Omdurman,” she stated. Despite facing daily struggles for basic necessities like water, Mohammed’s spirit remains unbroken. “The most difficult thing I faced was the water,” she lamented.
Although Sudan is home to numerous water sources, including the Nile River, residents are suffering from an ongoing water crisis, affecting nearly 48 million displaced individuals. Nevertheless, Mohammed remains resilient, viewing her music as a vital lifeline for herself and her audience. In her small room at the shelter, she continues to pursue her aspirations of becoming both a surgeon and a celebrated rapper, imbued with the hope that one day, “the biggest wish I hope for is for the war to stop.”
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of families displaced. As the war escalated in April 2023, this situation forced many, including young individuals, to leave their homes, dramatically altering their lives. In this environment, creative expression through music has emerged as a form of solace and a voice for the youth, allowing them to reflect on their experiences while fostering hope amid despair. Hanim Mohammed, a teenage rapper, embodies this duality of loss and optimism, using her art to connect and uplift those around her.
In summary, Hanim Mohammed, a young rapper in Sudan, exemplifies the resilience and spirit of hope among those impacted by the ongoing war. Through her music, she provides comfort to families affected by conflict, reminding them of cherished memories and the possibility of brighter days ahead. Despite the dire circumstances they face, Mohammed continues to pursue her dreams while advocating for peace, highlighting the power of art as a source of solace and connection. Her wish for an end to the war resonates deeply with her audience, symbolizing a collective desire for healing.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
