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When you think of rap, your mind might wander to fast-paced English punchlines or Afrobeat-infused pidgin flows. In the case of Samuel Morrison popularly known as Yung Sammy, the script has been flipped. Based in India, this Nigerian artist has done what few could imagine, he’s making waves rapping fluently in Hindi.
As the son of a pastor in Nigeria, Sammy’s early days revolved around church visits on Sundays, saying grace before meals and family prayers before leaving home. Music wasn’t just a part of his life, it was woven into the fabric of his upbringing. Ironically, his first adventure into music wasn’t rap, it was gospel.
Sammy’s journey wasn’t always aimed at music. Growing up, he aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a marine engineer, drawn to the idea of traveling the world. Later, his passion for international affairs led him to study international relations in college, with dreams of becoming a diplomat or ambassador. Yet, fate had other plans.
“Music was always there, in the background, waiting for its moment,” Sammy reflects.
Sammy’s introduction to Hindi rap came almost accidentally. When he moved to Delhi, India at 12, he found himself immersed in a culture vastly different from the one he grew up in. While many might have struggled to adapt, Sammy embraced the experience wholeheartedly and also developed his passion for music. His first encounter with Hindi rap was through the track Brown Rang by Honey Singh, a song that left an indelible mark on him.
His passion for music grew alongside his linguistic skills. However, before reintroducing himself to the world through his breakout track- Intro, Sammy’s musical journey was filled with twists and turns. He began exploring experimental rap and hip-hop sounds, gradually refining his style through a series of tracks.
Despite his talent, Sammy’s path was far from smooth. He auditioned for the popular Indian reality show MTV Hustle, hoping it would be his big break. When he was dropped from the show, it could have been a devastating blow. Instead, Sammy turned the rejection into fuel for his creativity. He poured his energy into creating 4×4, a track that not only showcased his lyrical prowess but also catapulted him into the spotlight.
His talent caught the attention of Shabz Naqvi, the co-founder of Desi Trill, a collective dedicated to pushing boundaries in the Indian music scene. Through this connection, Sammy secured a label deal with Universal Music Group in the U.S., a pivotal moment that elevated his career to an international level.
Now, with his vibrant fusion of Hindi and Afrobeat, Yung Sammy is changing the narrative. His music isn’t just a collection of tracks; it’s a celebration of cultural exchange. Fans in India call him Apna Bhai (Our Brother), while Nigerians
celebrate him as a cultural bridge-builder, someone who has taken his heritage and blended it seamlessly with the sounds and rhythms of his adopted home.
His unique talent has also caught the attention of international platforms, with many hailing him as a cultural ambassador.
Interestingly, Yung Sammy isn’t stopping here. He’s currently working on a project that promises to blend Hindi rap with Afrobeat. This fusion, he believes, will not only redefine multilingual rap but also showcase the boundless possibilities of cultural exchange.
With every verse he delivers in Hindi, he’s not just entertaining, he’s building bridges and proving that the language of rhythm and rhyme is universal. Now fluent in Punjabi, Gujarati, and Haryanvi, he’s using his multilingual talent to captivate audiences across India.
Would you vibe to a Hindi rap track from a Nigerian artist? If yes, see here for a mind blowing sensation.
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