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PHOTO: SHEIKH MEHEDI MORSHED
DHAKA ﻿SATURDAY﻿ ﻿DECEMBER﻿ ﻿9﻿, ﻿2023﻿
AGRAHAYAN 24, 1430 BS
ZARIN TASNIM
Growing up in Azimpur, Black Zang, whose real name is Asiful Islam Sohan, emerged as a prodigious talent and swiftly carved his niche in the music scene with his crew, Uptown Lokolz.
His rise to prominence was swift but not without challenges. “You know about the busses parked near Azimpur Maternity? I would sit inside them, just to get some peace and quiet to write some bars.”
When asked about the unexpected journey of his song No Boundaries being featured in a Hollywood film, Black Zang expressed his disbelief, stating it was never a part of his aspirations. “I’ve always wanted to rep Bangla music globally, but didn’t think that my music would be featured on Netflix,” said Zang. “Shoutout to Wahid Ibn Reza, who had shortlisted the song for the producers.”
Reflecting on the origins of his rap career, Black Zang revealed a humble beginning rooted in the streets of Azimpur, Lalbagh. Initially driven by curiosity, he and his crew began experimenting with rhymes, recording demos without any plans of becoming artistes. Fate intervened when one of his crewmates, Taurra Safa, acquainted himself with Bigg Spade from Dhanmondi, illustrating how music has the power to connect people. Bigg Spade, already entrenched in the hip-hop scene, became the driving force behind Uptown Lokolz, merging uptown and local influences. The fusion of minds led to the birth of Uptown Lokolz in 2008, laying the foundation for Bangla rap to flourish. “You can say that Taurra Safa was the philosopher, the innovator in our crew, while Spade was the mastermind. They can never be replaced, and that is why I never continued with Lokolz after the original members were caught up with life,” said the artistee.
According to the rapper, Asiful Islam Sohan and Black Zang are two different people. “There’s definitely a split-personality thing going on. Asiful Islam represents my everyday self, but Black Zang embodies my artiste persona.” Black Zang is deeply rooted in Azimpur and Dhaka city, a testament to his commitment to his local origins.
Challenging stereotypes, he discussed the misconceptions associating rap with gangs and violence. He stressed that such portrayals are fleeting gimmicks, highlighting the evolution of rap from consciousness to violence over time. “The West’s gang-associated rap culture is futile, I like to focus on individuality. The history of rap is a testament to using music as a tool to overcome adversities rather than glorify violence.”
Looking ahead, Zang sees a promising future for Bangla rap. With an abundance of talent and a growing youth interest, he envisions the genre becoming a platform for individuals to voice their stories, struggles, and aspirations. He believes Bangla rap has the potential to be a powerful voice in both music and societal conversations.
Black Zang’s story is a tribute to the evolution of Bangla rap, from its humble origins to global recognition. Black Zang’s journey in the hip-hop universe is not just a testament to his musical genius but also a testament to the power of authenticity, perseverance, and using one’s voice to spark change. As he continues to redefine the boundaries of hip-hop, Black Zang’s legacy is set to endure, inspiring generations to come in the realms of music and beyond.