Raf-Saperra: Mixing Beats and Breaking Rules on His Own Time

Raf-Saperra is a 26-year-old British Punjabi artist who has made a name for himself by blending different music genres like bhangra, hip-hop, and heavy metal. Growing up in south London with immigrant parents who moved to the UK in the late 1980s, Raf feels his background sets him apart from other Punjabi musicians. He says, 'My village isn't somewhere in Jalandhar or Lahore. It's in Lambeth, it's in Streatham Hill. ' This unique upbringing has influenced his music, making it a mix of cultures and sounds. Raf's songs, such as Modern Mirza and N. L. S. , have gained over 50 million streams and have appeared on both Asian Music and British Asian charts.

Raf's music is a reflection of his heritage and the diverse influences from his youth. He uses Punjabi-language lyrics, but the beats and rhythms show his love for UK grime, rap, and other styles he listened to in school. He mentions artists like Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Jazzy B, Wu-Tang Clan, and Black Sabbath as inspirations. Raf describes himself as 'genre-bending' and likes to break the rules when creating songs. He wants his music to be 'undeniably me,' meaning he wants it to be original and true to himself. Raf believes in taking his time and not rushing to become famous. He says, 'We have to walk before we run,' and understands that success in the music industry takes patience and hard work.

South Asian music has become more popular in recent years, with stars like Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon performing at major festivals like Coachella and collaborating with Western artists such as Ed Sheeran and Sia. Raf has performed at Mirchi Fest in Amsterdam and will play at the new Breaking Borders festival in Malta, which some call a 'South Asian Coachella. ' Raf feels grateful to be part of this movement but also sees challenges. He wants to represent South Asians by making art that appeals to people outside their community. Raf's process for making music is slow and thoughtful. He says he is introverted and relies on his instincts rather than industry connections. If a song doesn't feel right, he won't release it. Raf's new EP, Renaissance, is described as a 'sonic rebirth,' exploring Punjabi pop for the first time. He wants his fans to enjoy his new music and not feel left out. Raf is still finding his style but is happy with his progress and excited for the future.