Pasha Bhai, whose real name is Mohammed Affan Pasha, is a Bengaluru-based hip-hop artist. He was born in 1998 and grew up in Neelasandra. His journey from the Muslim ghetto of Neelasandra to the posh clubs of Bengaluru is as much a story about his art as about Dakhni Urdu, the language he consciously chooses to rap in.
Pasha Bhai is known for his originality as a lyricist and his intuitive ability to vocalize in Dakhni. His music tackles themes of personal identity, casteism, religious discrimination, linguistic and cultural heritage, and institutional violence. His album ‘Bangalore Ka Potta’ is a cyclic exploration of Bangalore’s Pottas and the Pottas’ Bangalore.
Pasha Bhai was influenced by American and Indian rappers such as Eminem, 50 Cent, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Raftaar, IKKA, and Machas with Attitude. His first memory of hearing Dakhni spoken on screen came when he saw the actor Mehmood in movies.
Pasha Bhai released his debut full-length project ‘Bangalore Ka Potta’ with producer Demixx Beats in November 2022. The album quickly became the talk of the town.
He has performed in several spaces in Bengaluru, and being part of the opening act for Raftaar has added to his growing reputation.
He was also a part of the Ziro Festival of Music in Arunachal Pradesh.
Pasha Bhai co-founded Wanandaf, a hip-hop collective in Bengaluru that organizes cyphers in public spaces, with seasoned hip-hop artist Smokey The Ghost.
The collective has played a crucial role in providing a platform for Pasha Bhai and other rappers to express their views and engage with the public.
Pasha Bhai is the frontman of this Dakhni hip-hop group Clan Bokka Phod.
They have released several tracks that articulate prevailing Islamophobia and add intrigue to Dakhni’s centuries-old, mystified past.
Their debut track ‘Khuda Gawah’ has garnered significant views on YouTube.
Bangalore Ka Potta
Released: November 4, 2022
Record Label: Dakhnistan Studios in association with Wanandaf
This is the debut full-length project from Pasha Bhai and producer Demixx Beats.
The album quickly became popular and was well-received.
It explores themes of personal identity, casteism, religious discrimination, linguistic and cultural heritage, and institutional violence, primarily in the context of Neelsandar, a suburb in Bengaluru.
The album consists of 14 tracks, each sketching a different character type and revealing the influences that have shaped them.
Notable tracks include “Pasha Bhai,” “Cashcashcashskit,” “Wanandaf” (named after the crew he co-founded with seasoned hip-hop artist Smokey The Ghost), and “Firaun Ka Chiccha Outro.”
Ye Hai Baghawat
Released: October 25, 2020
Record Label: Wanandaf
This is an album by Pasha Bhai, Agaahi Raahi, Akx, and Faizan.
The album is a strong attack on dictatorship and unfairness, and it praises the power of the people to fight against oppression and make things better.
It’s a call to action for people who want to fight against injustice and inequality.
It encourages them to stick to their beliefs and never give up.
The whole verse was like a constant journey of pain in the hands of time, and at last, the painful cry of the narrator was reconciled with the ultimate power of the world.
The album consists of 7 tracks, and Pasha Bhai is in 5 of them.
Director: Clan Bokka Phod
Release Date: 10-Nov-2023
Description: This music video was shot, edited, and directed by Clan Bokka Phod. The lyrics were written and performed by Mohammed Affan Pasha. The video was produced by Dakhnistan Studios.
Director: Karim Poocha
Release Date: 28-Nov-2022
Description: This music video was produced and engineered by Syed Awaise Pasha and co-engineered by Aaryan Singh. The lyrics were written and performed by Mohammed Affan Pasha. The video was recorded at Dakhnistan/Chop-Shop Studios.
Director: Vyshnav
Release Date: 20-Mar-2022
Description: This music video was directed by Vyshnav. The video was recorded at Agaahi Raahi’s Home and mixed and mastered at Dakhnistan Studios.
Director: Aqid Ahmed
Release Date: 11-Jun-2021
Description: This music video was directed by Aqid Ahmed. The music was produced and engineered by Demixx Beats.
Director: Karim Poocha
Release Date: 8-Feb-2021
Description: This music video was produced by whoisavi? and engineered by Demixx & whoisavi. The video was directed by Karim Poocha.
Director: Karim Poocha
Release Date: 3-Aug-2020
Description: This music video was produced by Manas Sharma and directed by Karim Poocha.
Date: 2024 December 14-15
Location: [Event Location]
Description: I will be participating in the Bangalore Literature Festival. For more details, check out the official event page.
Official Event Page