📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / UCL Occupation
Entertainment
Student Protesters Turn to Faiz, Michael Jackson, and Original Rap for Rallying Songs
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 25 Jul 2026, 10:34 AM
👁 1
Students across India are using a mix of classic poetry, global pop and fresh rap to energise their protests. The trend showcases how diverse music styles unite voices demanding change.
In recent student demonstrations, participants have turned to an eclectic mix of music to amplify their messages. The repertoire ranges from the Urdu poetry of Faiz to the iconic tunes of Michael Jackson, and even to newly composed rap tracks created by the protesters themselves.
The use of Faiz’s verses, known for their revolutionary spirit, provides a historical and cultural depth that resonates with many young activists. Meanwhile, the global appeal of Michael Jackson’s music adds an energetic and familiar backdrop that helps maintain momentum during rallies.
More recently, student groups have begun writing and performing original rap songs. These tracks, often recorded on smartphones, address local grievances and national policies, offering a contemporary voice that connects with peers on social media.
Music, therefore, serves as a unifying force, bridging generational and cultural gaps while keeping the protest atmosphere vibrant and engaging. The trend underscores the creative ways students are mobilising to bring attention to their causes.
As protests continue, the blend of classic poetry, international pop, and fresh rap is expected to remain a staple in student activism across campuses nationwide.
The use of Faiz’s verses, known for their revolutionary spirit, provides a historical and cultural depth that resonates with many young activists. Meanwhile, the global appeal of Michael Jackson’s music adds an energetic and familiar backdrop that helps maintain momentum during rallies.
More recently, student groups have begun writing and performing original rap songs. These tracks, often recorded on smartphones, address local grievances and national policies, offering a contemporary voice that connects with peers on social media.
Music, therefore, serves as a unifying force, bridging generational and cultural gaps while keeping the protest atmosphere vibrant and engaging. The trend underscores the creative ways students are mobilising to bring attention to their causes.
As protests continue, the blend of classic poetry, international pop, and fresh rap is expected to remain a staple in student activism across campuses nationwide.