Of Resistance And Revolution: Ahmer’s Latest ‘Tanaza’ Is The Voice Of Dissent From Kashmir Valley

In 2011, folk singer Ibrahim Kashoush’s Yalla Irhal echoed in the streets of Syria as a form of resistance against the regime after almost four decades of stifling freedom. Shortly after one of the largest demonstrations of creative mobilisation by the people of Syria, Kashoush’s floating dead body was found in the Orontes river but his voice continued to be part of the resistance. Closer home, Kashmiris continue to fight for their right to self-determination. It has been more than a year since the Indian Government blockaded communication and internet services in Kashmir, thus stifling the voices of dissent arising from the valley.

For Srinagar-based musician, Ahmer, who saw the suppression of Kashmiri voices from a young age with activists, journalists, and artists being disappeared, arrested or killed, music became a form of dissent. Lately, he has emerged as a prolific voice of resistance against the state-sponsored violence and oppression on the indigenous freedom movement. Little Kid Big Dreams (2019), his acclaimed debut album highlighted the despair of Kashmiris post the abrogation of Article 370 (a constitutional amendment that afforded Kashmir special status and autonomy over its affairs) in the name of national security.

Amidst the pandemic-induced lockdown, further restrictions have been imposed on the Kashmiri population. It is within this context of dismissal of Kashmiri voices and imposed restrictions that Ahmer takes on the mantle and becomes a leading voice of dissent. On his latest, Tanaza, he collaborates with Tufail – another emerging voice from the valley. They exchange rapid-fire bars expressing their dissatisfaction and anger with the Indian occupation that harasses the population regularly through the various checkpoints placed by the Indian army and police personnel. They also comment on the rampant corruption among these state-appointed institutions.

Produced by Zero Chill and conceptualised and shot by Rayees (Roomi Studios), the music video shows the duo skirting past the checkpoints by the Indian army. The visuals of the video are a testament to the Kashmiri spirit that continues to fight for their personal freedom and liberty. The duo’s video releases during the backdrop of Indian government’s crackdown on dissenting voices and stifling freedom. The duo’s voice of resistance on Tanaza is a testimony to the erupting talent in the valley that is not afraid to share their experience with the world –especially when every effort is being made to curb Kashmiri voices from reaching the mainstream.

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