On an Underrated Artist, Lifafa

While Bollywood continues to harass us with trashy lyrics and copied background score, there are artists who remain in the background. Let’s be honest here, most Bollywood composers use the filthiest of words to sexualize a person.

Lifafa album art

‘Choda Maine Sapna Tere Liye Apna, Tu Toh Nahi Badla, Mujhko Hai Darr’

While Bollywood continues to harass us with trashy lyrics and copied background score, there are artists who remain in the background. Let’s be honest here, most Bollywood composers use the filthiest of words to sexualize a person. As most of the population makes that massy item number its party anthem, the true meaning of music loses out. Understanding the point that at the end of the day, even those composers have to make the money and put out songs that will please the audience, these songs really encourage a culture that shouldn’t be tolerated. Imagine a six-year-old child listening to ‘munni badnam hui’. The impact on the child will be more hazardous than one could think. It’s not that all the music produced by Bollywood is trash but the most popular is. Recently a famous singer/composer was accused of stealing the concept or beats of a lowly folk singer. This is outrightly cultural appropriation with no due credits being given to the original artists. Many cases like this go unnoticed.

Amidst the heavy noise and so-called music, artists have emerged from among us. Artists, who create art in order to bring about change in society. Their art carries meaning in the sense that one can perceive multiple meanings of their own in a creation. Such an artist is Lifafa AKA Suryakant Sawhney. Lifafa is an independent project of Suryakant Sawhney, lead singer of jazz band; Peter Cat Recordings and Co. Lifafa excel in dance, electronic, and indie rock music writing in English and Hindi. Lifafa makes music that may not always please the masses but someone with an ear for a meaningful beat always finds their way. His lyrics are revolutionary in nature with an idea of making his voice heard. They hit the core and one cannot help but relate. The background score takes a person on a journey, a rush of emotions, and thought. His music is offbeat in nature especially the choice of titles like, ‘Chaku Chidiya’ and ‘Nikkamma’. As Lifafa took to stage on 1st February 2020 in Delhi, sporting a cap that said, ‘Aam Aadmi’, he captivated the audience with his persona. Using fewer words, his power-packed performance led the audience to groove and provoked thought. In an interview, Lifafa said, “I'm a part of the globalized generation so it’s hard for me to identify with one kind of person…I am inspired by various different cultures“. His inspiration lays everywhere, a passing wedding band, or a destination. He is a contemporary artist with a revolutionary vision who isn’t afraid to show his vulnerabilities. One of his most popular tracks titled, ‘Jaago’ presents a true perspective saying ‘Doob raha hai yeh desh’ serving as an awakening call to the people. Lifafa’s beauty lies in the honesty of his art.

He is an underrated artist as the audience in India is still exploring and opening up to the genres like his. His music definitely carries certain ideas that are inspirational and real. The creations of art in times like we are living help a person stay afloat. Lifafa is an upcoming and brilliant artist whose music is what the world needs.

References: quotes lifted from lyrics of songs by lifafa and platform magazine.