Hanim Mohammed, a 14-year-old rapper, utilizes her music to comfort displaced families in eastern Sudan amidst ongoing conflict. Her performances evoke nostalgia and joy, allowing families to escape their harsh realities. Despite challenges like water scarcity, Mohammed’s resilience shines through as she dreams of becoming a surgeon and uses her art as a lifeline, hoping for peace in her war-torn homeland.
In the makeshift shelter located in a schoolyard in eastern Sudan, 14-year-old Hanim Mohammed channels her experiences into rap music, offering solace to families displaced by the ongoing conflict. Through her lyrics, she evokes nostalgia for the life that once was, bringing moments of joy to those affected. “When I play rap songs, everyone sings with me,” she expresses, her smile radiating happiness as families gather around her performance.
During a UN-supported event at the shelter, Mohammed, also known as Nana, captivated her audience with vibrant energy. Laughter and clapping resonated as women and children danced, momentarily escaping the harsh realities of a war that has persisted since April 2023. The violent struggle between army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and his former ally Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo has resulted in significant loss, displacing over 12 million people and causing a devastating humanitarian crisis.
Fans of Nana consistently emphasize the profound impact of her music. “The joy she brings is indescribable,” stated Najwa Abdel Rahim, a regular attendee at her performances. Another follower, Deir Fathi, remarked, “I feel comfort and excitement when I listen to her music,” highlighting how it resonates with the audience amid their hardships.
Following the onset of conflict, Mohammed fled her hometown, Omdurman, and now resides in Port Sudan. In her new environment, she channels her grief and nostalgia into her music, particularly through her poignant song, “The Omdurman Tragedy,” reflecting the sorrow of lost memories. “You sit silently, and a fire breaks out. What do you do? Your brain itself is confused,” she writes to express her emotional turmoil.
Mohammed’s passion for rap has been longstanding, yet the war has intensified her urge to write. Having composed nine songs, she states, “Most of the songs I composed were for the place I love the most and where I grew up — Omdurman.” She highlights that the war fueled her creativity, encouraging her to document her feelings through music.
Despite the cramped living conditions she shares with other displaced families, Mohammed perseveres. Access to basic necessities remains a struggle, particularly citing water scarcity. “The most difficult thing I faced was the water,” she shares, describing instances where the water was either salty or bitter.
Sudan faces an extensive water crisis that affects millions, compounding the challenges of a war-torn nation. Even prior to the conflict, many had to walk considerable distances for water, indicating a dire situation that only worsens. Nevertheless, Mohammed remains steadfast in her resolve, using her music as a vital support system for herself and her audience.
In addition to her musical aspirations, she dreams of becoming both a surgeon and a celebrated rapper. Yet above all, Mohammed yearns for peace, stating, “The biggest wish I hope for is for the war to stop.” Her story encapsulates a beacon of hope amid turmoil, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has resulted in extensive suffering, with tens of thousands of people losing their lives and millions forced from their homes. The war has had devastating effects on the nation’s infrastructure and economy, leading to widespread famine and a humanitarian crisis. Amid these dire circumstances, individuals like Hanim Mohammed utilize art and music as a means of expression and coping, bringing communities together amid shared loss and hope.
Hanim Mohammed’s story illustrates the resilience of youth in the face of hardship. Through her music, she fosters a sense of unity and hope among displaced families in Sudan. Despite the severe crises facing her community, her aspirations to become a surgeon and a rapper, alongside her longing for peace, highlight the enduring spirit of those impacted by the war. Mohammed’s endeavors serve as a reminder of the healing power of art in troubled times.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
