The AWID Forum was already a powerhouse of ideas, emotions, and activism, but then Krantinaari took the stage—and everything shifted. Her name, which translates to Revolutionary Woman, couldn’t be more fitting. From the moment she grabbed the mic, she owned the space, delivering feminist rhymes that electrified the room and set my heart on fire.
And for me, it was deeply nostalgic. Growing up in Soweto, I was a very naughty teenager who would sneak out on Sundays to attend the Slagghuise Hip-Hop sessions in Diepkloof Zone 4. That’s where I first fell in love with rap and hip-hop culture. It was exhilarating—like poetry, but way cooler. Around that time, South Africa was alive with the sounds of Zulu Mob, Pro Kid, 985, and Maftown legends like Hip Hop Pantsula.
But there was always something missing. Women in hip-hop were like rare diamonds—precious but seldom seen. You wouldn’t often find them on stages or in sessions, and it felt like the industry wasn’t ready to make space for their voices. So, you can understand my excitement watching Krantinaari slay the mic with her feminist rap.
Her energy brought me back to those Slagghuise days, reminding me why I fell in love with hip-hop in the first place. And while we’ve seen incredible female rappers rise in South Africa since then—powerhouses like Gigi Lamayne, Rouge, Nadia Nakai, and Sho Madjozi—the industry still has work to do. To the entertainment gatekeepers: it’s time to make the circle bigger for the girl child in music, especially in rap. Sign her up already, good people!
After her set, I had the privilege of chatting with Krantinaari. She shared her journey navigating the male-dominated music industry in India, and her challenges were all too familiar. But her passion, resilience, and unshakable belief in her mission were inspiring.
Of course, I couldn’t leave without asking for her autograph (because, you know, South African like that!). She graciously signed it and even invited me to attend her shows anywhere in the world—for free! Talk about music to my ears!
What made her performance even more powerful was the session itself—a discussion on how art can challenge the world’s deepest injustices. It was a reminder of the transformative power of creativity, how it can heal wounds, shatter silences, and inspire revolutions.
Krantinaari embodied all of that, and I carried her energy with me long after the session ended and into other sessions I attended. You can stay tuned on my blog for more on those very interesting sessions. It's gonna be lit!
To Krantinaari: You are super dope. You’re not just on your way to the top—you’re already there, lighting the path for others to follow. Your music, your mission, your fire—they’re all unforgettable. Thank you for the vibes, the inspiration, and for showing us that being revolutionary is more than a name—it’s a way of life.
Healing through art, rapping for justice—what an incredible experience.
