In Port Sudan, 14-year-old Hanim Mohammed uses her rap music to bring comfort to families displaced by the ongoing war. Despite the hardships faced due to the conflict, she expresses her emotional struggles through her lyrics, preserving memories of her hometown, Omdurman. Her performances offer a momentary escape, resonating deeply with her audience as they seek solace. She aspires to be both a surgeon and a celebrated rapper, wishing for an end to the war.
In a makeshift shelter situated within a schoolyard in eastern Sudan, 14-year-old Hanim Mohammed employs her rap music to provide solace to families displaced by the ongoing conflict in her country. Her nostalgic lyrics about life before the war have the power to momentarily alleviate the hardships faced by these families, as they gather together to sing along with her. “When I play rap songs, everyone sings with me; this makes me so happy,” Mohammed shared, her joy evident in her radiant smile.
During her performances at a UN-sponsored space in the shelter, the young rapper, known as Nana, captivates the audience with her electrifying energy. The atmosphere is filled with laughter and applause as women and children sway to the rhythm, momentarily overcoming the grim reality of a war that has afflicted Sudan since April 2023. The ongoing conflict has claimed countless lives and displaced over 12 million individuals, leading the country towards famine.
The war, which has arisen from a power struggle between army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and his former ally Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has resulted in what the International Rescue Committee describes as the “biggest humanitarian crisis ever recorded.” Fans of Mahmoud express how deeply her music resonates with them. “The joy she brings is indescribable,” remarked Najwa Abdel Rahim, a regular attendee of Mohammed’s performances.
When the war erupted, Mohammed was forced to flee her hometown of Omdurman, near Khartoum, with her family. Currently located in a secondary school shelter in Port Sudan, she channels her grief through her rap, preserving her cherished memories of home. The poignant track “The Omdurman Tragedy” captures her emotional struggles, encapsulating the chaos and confusion that accompanies loss.
Inspired by her past, Mohammed has composed nine songs, each reflecting her love for Omdurman and serving as a means to articulate her feelings during this turbulent time. Despite the significant difficulties of residing in cramped quarters and facing daily struggles for basic necessities—particularly concerning water access—her determination remains steadfast. “The most difficult thing I faced was the water,” she expressed, revealing the challenges of finding clean water.
Even prior to the war, the Sudanese population faced severe water shortages, with many individuals walking extensive distances to obtain it. Currently, nearly 48 million Sudanese are grappling with a worsening water crisis. Nevertheless, Mohammed’s music acts as a lifeline, creating a sense of community among those who gather to witness her performances.
As she balances her ambitions, Mohammed diligently studies in hopes of achieving her dreams of becoming both a surgeon and a celebrated rapper. Above all, she articulates her most significant wish: “The biggest wish I hope for is for the war to stop.”
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and leading to food shortages. Young individuals like Hanim Mohammed use music as a means of coping with their experiences and providing solace to others. The setting of Port Sudan, where Mohammed performs, provides a temporary escape for displaced communities, allowing them to gather and find joy amidst the turmoil. The ongoing war and its impacts on infrastructure, such as water access, add layers of complexity to the situation.
Hanim Mohammed’s story illustrates the resilience and creativity of youth in the face of adversity. Through her rap music, she not only expresses her grief and maintains her memories but also offers hope and comfort to those affected by the war. Her aspirations highlight the unyielding spirit of individuals who refuse to let conflict define their futures. Amidst the dire circumstances, her determination to bring joy and her wish for peace underscore the human desire for a better tomorrow.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
