Teacher turned rapper Surya Manhas introduces the Grime Genre To India
Rap music has been a defining genre in the music industry for decades, and in recent years, it has exploded in popularity in India. From underground cyphers to mainstream success, Indian rappers have been making their mark and showcasing their talent to the world. And amidst all this, Surya Manhas, aka “Surya Grime India,” has been at the forefront of the rap movement in J&K, paving the way for others and making a name for himself.
As a biology teacher, Surya has a passion for educating others, but that’s just the beginning of his story. He is also a rapper and singer who, with over a decade of experience in the music industry, has honed his skills as a rapper and songwriter.
Surya’s journey in the music industry began with a passion for poetry, which eventually led him to discover his love for rap music. It all started during Surya’s school days in Delhi. “I discovered my passion for writing while in school in Delhi. That’s when heavy-worded poems often left an impression on me and inspired me to start penning my own poetry. This eventually led me to switch to writing rap lyrics.”
In 2011-12, he discovered a video with his friend featuring the famous rapper Raftaar. Surya was so taken by the style of the rap star that it inspired him to begin researching the genre and the artist. From there, he discovered his true passion for rap and started to pursue it. He has since honed his skills as a rapper and songwriter, and has made a significant impact on the Indian rap scene.
Surya, Ankush Rajput and his team run NOBLE career institute in Nagrota and he is the mastermind behind the Indian grime cypher. Surya is credited with introducing the grime genre to India through his song “Clout Chasers,”. He has also created a rap track in collaboration with a team of 40 other rappers from Jammu and Kashmir, which set a world record. His debut album, “Gumnam,” which consists of 8 tracks, was followed by another album titled “Melody,” also featuring 8 tracks.
Surya believes there’s a significant distinction between singing and rapping. According to him, singing requires strong vocals and the ability to perform someone else’s song, while rapping involves writing and poetry set to rhythm. “I view rapping as a form of intelligence, as it requires technical skill and knowledge to perform successfully.”
Surya’s contributions to the local rap scene are numerous and have helped shape the evolution of rap music in India. Surya has a group named “Real jkhiphop” that consists of six members. He and his team have been organizing rap cyphers in Jammu since 2015, providing a platform for upcoming rappers to showcase their talent and gain recognition. As an artist, Surya encourages budding rappers to explore their interests and follow their passion, and he continues to inspire others with his own music.
“Find your passion and stick to it. Don’t be swayed by others, discover what you love and go for it. Surround yourself with supportive parents who encourage your talent. And, never forget the importance of education, even as you chase your dreams.” Surya believes that parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s talent and urges them to encourage and nurture their dreams. He also highlights the importance of being competent and dedicated to one’s work, no matter how big or small it may be.
Surya, who started out as a biology teacher, has made waves in the music world as a rapper and singer. In 2020, he auditioned for a talent show on Colors TV and another on Zee TV, making it to the television round before the show was cancelled due to the lockdown. His journey is a true testament to the power of perseverance and following one’s dreams. Despite the setbacks and challenges he faced, he never lost sight of his passion and continued to pursue it with determination and dedication. His ability to balance his profession as a biology teacher and his passion as a rapper and singer is a true inspiration to all who aspire to follow their dreams and make a positive impact on the world. With his creative talent and unrelenting spirit, Surya Manhas will surely continue to make waves in the music industry for years to come.