In Port Sudan, 14-year-old Hanim Mohammed uses rap music to bring comfort to families affected by the ongoing war. Her performances allow audiences to reminisce about better days. Despite the dire humanitarian crisis, Mohammed uses her art to express grief and maintain hope, aspiring to become both a surgeon and a celebrated rapper while yearning for an end to the conflict in her homeland.
In Port Sudan, 14-year-old Hanim Mohammed utilizes rap music to provide solace to families displaced by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. For brief moments, her nostalgic rap lyrics allow listeners to reminisce about life before the war. “When I play rap songs, everyone sings with me. This makes me so happy,” expressed Mohammed with a bright smile.
At a UN-sponsored venue in the shelter, the young artist referred to as Nana exuded infectious energy, prompting laughter and cheers as women and children danced joyfully, defying the grim circumstances that have plagued the nation since April 2023.
The civil strife has resulted in significant loss, with tens of thousands dead, over twelve million displaced, and widespread famine across Sudan. The conflict is characterized by a power struggle between army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and his former ally Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, creating what the International Rescue Committee describes as the “biggest humanitarian crisis ever recorded.”
Fans of Nana highlight the depth of her music, with Najwa Abdel Rahim noting, “The joy she brings is indescribable.” Another supporter, Deir Fathi, shared, “I feel comfort and excitement when I listen to her music.”
In the wake of the war, Mohammed and her family fled Omdurman, Khartoum’s twin city, and now reside in a makeshift shelter. Through rap, she conveys her sorrow and preserves cherished memories of her former home, which inspires her poignant lyrics, such as in her song “The Omdurman Tragedy.”
Mohammed, a long-time rap enthusiast, embraced the genre more deeply after the onset of conflict, leading her to compose nine songs that pay homage to her beloved Omdurman. She stated, “When the war erupted, this gave even greater drive.”
Living in cramped conditions with many other displaced families, she faces daily challenges, notably in securing water. “The most difficult thing I faced was the water. Sometimes I found it salty, and other times it was bitter,” she recounted.
Despite Sudan’s water sources, the nation has historically struggled with a water crisis, with many walking significant distances to fetch water prior to the conflict. Today, approximately 48 million Sudanese grapple with severe water shortages exacerbated by the ongoing war.
Mohammed remains resolute in the face of adversity, using her performances as a healing mechanism for herself and her audience. Beyond her musical aspirations, she yearns to pursue a career as a surgeon, maintaining her commitment to education despite the challenges she faces. Her paramount desire is clear: “The biggest wish I hope for is for the war to stop.”
The ongoing war in Sudan has led to a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale, with a staggering number of casualties and internally displaced individuals. The conflict stems from a power struggle between key military leaders, leading to widespread violence and suffering. Amidst this turmoil, young individuals like Hanim Mohammed have emerged, utilizing art as a means to cope with loss and inspire hope within their communities. Mohammed’s rapping serves not only as emotional support for those affected but also as a means of preserving the memories of a peaceful past.
Hanim Mohammed’s rap music provides a poignant reflection of the anguish and hope experienced by Sudanese families displaced by war. Despite the dire circumstances, she utilizes her artistic talent to uplift spirits and reminisce about better times. While facing daily challenges, her determination to pursue her dreams shines through, showcasing the resilience of youth amidst crisis. Ultimately, her deep-seated wish for peace underscores the urgent need for stability in Sudan.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
