The rappers talent hunt show, going to be held in Zabarvan Park on the banks of world famous Dal Lake, is expected to attract youths in large numbers.

The event will be organized by Athar Iqbal aka DJ Aki, Kashmir’s first disc jockey, in collaboration with Marks Craft Agency.

Rappers in Kashmir are unknown and this will be the first occasion when rap singers will face the public in Srinagar.

Rap music in Kashmir drew attention during the 2010 summer protests against the Indian forces. Drawing inspiration from the Palestinian intifada, youths in Kashmir came out in large numbers on the streets to pelt stones at security forces and Jammu and Kashmir police. 

"I Protest" by MC Kash aka Roshan Illahi became an instant hit and a sort of anthem for stone pelters and since then the number of rappers in Kashmir Valley has been multiplying.

DJ Aki is disappointed over the cold response of the people and the government towards rappers.

“There is no future for rappers in Kashmir valley. You know outside Jammu and Kashmir, rappers are being treated as icons and but here in Valley they mean nothing," he said. 

"To promote this industry and to attract more and more youths, the government is silent and nothing is being done to encourage rappers.” 

He is however hopeful that the competition will provide a platform for the budding rap singers of the Valley to exhibit their talent before local and international audience.

So far 45 youths have enrolled themselves for the event of which 12 are from downtown areas.