Meet hip hop artist Haris Saleem; a doctor by profession and a musician by passion

21 Jul 2016
FWD Admin
Features

A stethoscope hangs around his neck by day, by night it is a pair of sleek black headphones. In a time when we remark about the number of medicine and engineering aspirants in our state, here is a doctor who is following his passion. He cannot just assess the beat of the music, he can also assess the beat of your heart. Haris Saleem is the first hip hop artist to rap in Malayalam. It is unfathomable how a student of medicine can even have spare time to read a book, let alone write poetry. WtzupKochi met Haris and was surprised to see a polite well dressed young man, in contrary to the list of hip hop artists with low waist pants and gold in their teeth. This talent from Kozhikode is currently finishing his house surgency and also his fourth music video, “Chaththa Kakka" with his first band, Street Academics. The doctor of hip hop as a newspaper called him, shot into fame with his addition to the band Mappila Lahala in 2013. Muhsin Parari directed the young talents and actor Mamukkoya, channeling the veteran’s wisdom in a delivery of the’ spoken word’, a format new to the audience in Kerala.

How do you find time for music and medicine?

You will always find time to do what you love. I get this feeling that I am supposed to and can do this. It helps not to think too much. During house surgency there was more time and freedom to pursue my passion. This is also what Muhsin Parari keeps telling us, "follow your heart."

So our doctors, engineers and other professionals would have hidden talents?

There are many talented individuals just in my batch at Calicut Medical College. Many state level winners who are not pursuing it anymore. There is a lot to sacrifice when you are studying medicine, but if you prioritize, you can do anything. We are all multi talented. Our schools teach us how to hide, they should teach us how to express.

How did you discover Hip Hop?

I was a quiet, studious student and loved poetry in Malayalam and English. Eminem was a break through artist in those days, and I fell in love with hip hop which is basically poetry structured. I started writing a lot and posting in an Orkut group. I received a lot of positive criticism that helped me grow. I discovered more with my friends and band members RJV, Amjad, DJ Vivek and Abhimanyu. There were a lot of battle raps and tournaments. Slam Poetry has influenced me a lot as well. The internet is an important tool for everyone. Haris the hip hop artist was born through the internet.

How difficult is to write Malayalam rap?

I am comfortable in both languages. Malayalam rap is a little more difficult since there are no references. My father's collection of books really helped. My first work in Malayalam got a lot of good comments. Though there are still some who say" music? it sounds like someone just talking!"

Any writing compulsions?

Normally you would find me alone pacing in a room with loud music. Sometimes I work out and listen to the beat to get pumped up. Once I get the energy, I start writing.

Tell us about being a part of Mappila Lahala.

It is the most inspiring experience. Muhsin Parari is a great mentor. The band motivates each other and works towards a common goal. Though I knew Mamukkoya before, it is unbelievable to work with him and Reshmi Sathish. Bijibal directed the music and he has been a great influence. Though all of us are from different backgrounds, we are all artists who want to do our best.

What is hip hop to you?

Hip hop originated in the US as a revolutionary art. There is a misconception that hip hop is associated with anti-social behaviour. This is not true. It is a voice of the people. I find it a way to express myself. All of this is an expression. All of this is an art. One beauty of hip hop is that it can be mixed with any genre of music. If I can get a positive message to one or two people, I will be really happy.

About Kochi

Kochi is such a beautiful place and it is also the most happening place in Kerala.