A significant upsurge in hip hop popularity can be seen amongst younger generations. As hip hop culture and music rapidly take over Nepali music, Raw Barz is back in action. The first Rap-Battle League of Nepal, Raw Barz can most likely be called the initiator of NepHop, with Yama Buddha at its helm and other amazing personalities behind the scenes such as Kolin, DJ Subba, Hakim, Lay-Zy, etc.
After not being active for four years, Raw Barz is back with a new season in collaboration with RINC Entertainment. Previously, Raw Barz only entertained a cappella round of three, but this reboot will contain one a cappella round, one round on the beat, and one round just for the freestyle.
Another significant change in Raw Barz Reboot Season 5 is that rappers will be judged by actual judges instead of the audience being the judge. The battle will also consist of knockout stages. Despite being the initiators of NepHop back in the day, rappers didn’t actually get paid anything except for fame from their screen time. “We are also providing cash prizes for winners this season to motivate rappers," says Surendra Gurung, aka Hakim, rapper, and mentor of Raw Barz. “It is important to ensure rappers that they can make a living out of it”, he adds.
“The hype for Raw Barz Reboot Season 5 is off the charts”, says Lay Zy, beat producer and board member of Raw Barz. Hundreds of hip hop and rap enthusiasts are auditioning every day. “The growing interest in people for rap and hip hop is great for Nephop and for Raw Barz too," adds Hakim.
Raw Barz, hosted by Yama Buddha, gained a lot of popularity as it showcased the raw talent of rappers. Currently, there are many hip hop and rap battles and shows like ANTF, Break Bars, NepHop ko Shreepech. “We are glad to be able to support each other. After all, our common goal is to promote hip hop and rap in Nepal”, says Lay Zy.
Compared to 2018 when the last season of Raw Barz took place, the hip-hop and rap scene in Nepal has changed tremendously. “It feels amazing to be back in action. Seeing young talents with such unique and modern styles makes us feel energized”, says Kolin Bikram Rana, founder, and CEO of Raw Barz.
Winners of Raw Barz Reboot Season 5 will get more than just the title. They will be rewarded with cash prizes along with record labels and stage shows. “Our main goal is to provide a platform for Nepali rappers”, says Kolin. “We have always and will continue to help Nepali rappers gain recognition internationally”, adds Hakim. Raw Barz hosted shows overseas as well to showcase the talent of Nepali rappers away from home. They have helped Nepali rappers get international recognition.
While the Kathmandu-leg of auditions started yesterday at Trisara, Lazimpat, auditions in Chitwan, Pokhara, Butwal, and Dhangadi are over. Kathmandu auditions end today after which workshops for rappers will begin. The auditions for Raw Barz Reboot Season 5, which is judged by Kolin, Hakim, and Lay Zy will end on the 30th of March, 2022 in Biratnagar after which the show will move towards the battle round.
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