You surely might have seen and heard him at a concert in your city, for he’s been all over the country. The bespectacled rapper Emiway Bantai whose original name is Bilal Shaikh (born 13^th November 1995), is one of the very few music artists in India that have catapulted themselves into superstardom solely with the use of social media. His name is a combination of the names of rapper artists Eminem and Lil Wayne that is Emi + Way; when he took his stage name “Emiway.”

Story goes that one day when he was in class 10, he heard a classmate singing Eminem’s 2010 track Not Afraid.  Emiway liked the song, but sadly didn’t know anything about the artist and the music. Back home, he looked up on the song and within a matter of days, he got to know about rap music and about Eminem and ever since then, Emiway has considered Eminem his idol. He started singing the songs of the American rapper. His friends soon liked what he was doing. They were surprised that he actually mastered the song Not Afraid verbatim. From school to college, he was appreciated for singing by his friends who encouraged him to write his own songs and release them. He released his first English song Glint Lock (2013) that has licks of Eminem in it which was well received. With time he was advised to rap in Hindi and from then on it’s been his success story.

Bantai soon rose to fame with his first hit single Aur Bantai in 2014. Bantai’s singles have crossed millions of views on YouTube garnering fans from all across the country. His packed gigs continue to generate hysteria among attendees every single time, his streaming numbers are shooting through the roof and he is the only artist to have won the Best Hip-Hop Artist (People’s Choice) Award at Radio City Freedom Awards three years in a row (2017-2019), this year winning for Jump Kar. He also has a fab music video shot in the beautiful countryside of North East titled Dhyan De (where he fits in as many words as he could) and a song Skrrt Karenge, where the rapper showcases his versatility as an artist.

The 24 year old hip hop YouTube sensation and independent rap artist is also seen alongside Ranveer Singh in the movie ‘Gully Boy’ celebrating the real rappers of our country.

Rising starlet Celina Sharma also teamed up Bantai for her debut single Lean On, a track that weaves Celina’s taste for house influenced pop with Emiway’s unique lyrical styling’s to create a song that mixes influences from both Western music and Celina’s Indian heritage.

Emiway’s latest single Machayenge is an anthem for people who want to have the time of their lives. Equipped with Bantai’s signature wit and quirkiness, Machayenge is a fun song that has a pleasant, beachy vibe. Enjoying more than 2 million followers across social media platforms,  Machayenge is a quirky beat that carries the local flavours of the Indian rap community. 

When rap superstar and mogul Wiz Khalifa brought his thunderous two city Sunburn Arena showcase to India in September, Emiway had the audience on its feet in Mumbai before Khalifa took to the stage. 

With his lyrical dominance, dynamic flow, and organic reach, Emiway is ready to make a global impact.  The Bengaluru born native now based in Mumbai was also part of Vh1 Sound Nation League 2019.

Verus Ferreira spoke with Emiway on his zooming career graph, his songs and his recent win at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

Share some insight on how you got into music?

I first heard Eminem’s track Not Afraid, when I was in 10^th grade and was immediately hooked. Music is my fuel.

Academically what have you done?

I have studied till 12^th standard. Flunked it. I was always a backbencher and an introvert. Initial plan was to become a doctor, but today I’m glad that it didn’t work out.

Is anyone in your family into music?

One rapper you would like to collaborate with

There are many. But collaboration with Eminem would go to insane levels.

Would you agree that Eminem is the rap god across the world?

Without a doubt

You are a part of bringing the rap movement into India, what do you feel is the future for Rap music in our country?

Hip-hop has now found its roots in India. The scene is changing fast and we’re seeing some great talent in all parts of India.

What’s the inspiration behind your song ‘Machayenge’?

My songs are inspired from real life, real words, feelings and quirks. Machayenge came about as a fun track.Machayenge calls out to all the listeners who want to have a blast of a time. Machayenge is Bantai’s way of partying and having a gala time. I also associated with Artist Aloud for my first inter-city tour. It is because of their relentless efforts to build independent music that the audience cherishes upcoming new artistes. I hope that the audience keeps supporting and loving all the music we have to offer.

What do your songs speak about?

I express what I feel, through my songs. There are nuggets of my life and trying times, worldly wisdom, wit and tinge of fun, all rolled in with our unique Mumbai slang.

You were in ‘Gully Boy’ that’s going to the Oscars, your comment?

2019 has been incredible. It was a great year for both Indian Hip-hop and me. Hope for the best.

Are you looking forward to more Bollywood collaborations?

I’m looking forward to making good music, doing better projects and collaborations. Bollywood has been the mainstay for Hindi music, will surely consider if something interesting comes by.

Your inspiration for kids who want to pursue rap music as a career?

It’s an art form. Take it seriously. Keep writing and putting your stuff out there. Be ready for critique. Above all be consistent.

Do you think social media is very important these days?

It’s very important, the crowd and all the Bantai fans are there because of social media. I have never spent a penny on promotion. I believe in hard work. It’s because of social media, people in far-flung places like Bihar and Rajasthan can hear my music.

Do you make a style statement with your dressing?

It’s very important what you wear and how you look as it gives you a unique identity. The basic idea is to stand out in a crowd.

Do you feel Independent music will outgrow Bollywood?

Independent music has now created its own space. Artists now have all the means to put their art out. Where it goes from here, no one knows. We’ll have to wait and see.

What would you like to say about your win at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2019?

Thanks to MTV Europe Music Awards, bahut hard. For keeping it people's choice so that everyone can vote. I am grateful and thankful to each and every one, my whole team, and the people who support me and are always with me such as my parents. It is a big thing to win an international award; I had won the People’s Choice Award sometime back and now the MTV Europe Music Awards. Full power, Bahut Zyaada Hard. I made the song Freeverse Feast (Daawat) because my listeners had increased overseas and their reaction videos too. I thought I should add a bit of English to build a connect overseas hence I made a mix of Hindi and English with this song. I respect all the other nominees for ‘Best Indian Act’, being nominated in itself is a big thing, they are great artists and produce wonderful music.

What impact will your win make to your career?

The impact of winning the ‘Best Indian Act’ at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2019 will be passed on to artists; they will be motivated and will believe they can win such awards too. I always say don’t work to win awards, work from your heart and work to fall in love with your music, the award will come to you automatically by itself then. Many artists texted me that it was great to know you’ve won; they will too attempt to achieve the same, so my win is like a motivation.

What do you think 2019 has been about for the Indian indie music industry? How has the year been for you as an artist and as a part of the audience?

2019 has been awesome. Growth of social media and audio streaming platforms are proving great both for artists and consumers. Data consumption is increasing and good content will always get appreciated in these times.

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira