“Sulka” is called out; she is so well known by this name that her acquaintances have forgotten her real name, which is “Sara Bahreini”.

Sara, also known as Soolka, has countless tattoos on her body and has a stylish gangster appearance; something similar to “Griselda Blanco” but the difference is that Sara is not a criminal, she is an artist, she writes beautiful songs and has a powerful voice. Many consider her a rising genius in the field of hip-hop music in Iran. It is hard to believe for many that she was born in 1982 with such quality work in music.

About 3 years ago – when she was only 17 years old – a video of her impromptu street performance (freestyle) was released at a street gathering (rap meeting) in the city of Borazjan. In that performance, Solka was the only girl present in the group. Despite gender stereotypes, she led the meeting and shone because of her talent; to the point that it is unlikely anyone who saw her performance would have forgotten it.

With very little intervals, in the background of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, another shocking video of Soolka was released, but this time she was not a performing artist. Wearing a baggy personal outfit, Soolka was lying on her stomach on the street with her hands tied behind her back, waiting for her colleagues to arrive. The situation was reminiscent of the arrest of George Floyd in America, but this time the victim was a 17-year-old girl. The teenage girl was taken to the adult prison in Bushehr and later sentenced by a judge for her art, lifestyle, and beliefs.

The fiery appearance of the short-term activist, Solka, and then his arrest and ignorance of him led to controversies – including the spread of false information about him. However, the monthly magazine of Line of Peace was able to convince Solka to engage in a conversation in order to familiarize the younger generation with the new art of protest, sexual taboos, and existing challenges. What follows is the result of a conversation with one of the youngest underground artists in Iran.

To start, please tell us about yourself. How did you get into the world of hip hop and choose this artistic path?

They always say that everyone has a talent and for me, that talent was music. Since I was a child, I listened to music, the songs I heard from every corner, were like a new world to me where I could lose myself. Hip-hop was not just a genre for me; it was a way for me to express my emotions and speak about life. Entering the world of hip-hop was like finding something I had always been looking for; a place where I could speak my mind without censorship. I chose this artistic path because nothing else could connect me to the world around me with such power as rap. Rap is my life; a way to express my pains, joys, and everything that is in my heart.

Why is the rebellious style of hip-hop so attractive to you and what message does it convey to society through music?

Hip-hop has emerged as a form of protest; in other styles, you may be able to sing about ordinary things like rain and flowers, but rap goes beyond love songs. This style allows me to speak openly and protest loudly. For me, rapping is easier than talking and I can convey exactly what’s in my heart with my words. My music is the voice of those who may not be heard; those who hide their anger, despair, and pains. Through rapping, I want to tell society that we should not remain silent in the face of inequality and injustices. This style is a way for me to show others that protest is our right and no one can silence us.

What does the location and city of Borazjan mean to you and why did you decide to preserve the local dialect in your songs?

Borazjan is the only place where I could truly be myself; a small but lovely city where my roots and identity have formed. This is where I have found myself in the best way possible. The local accent is a part of my identity and I have decided to preserve it in my songs. Because I want to introduce my city and our way of speaking to others. Local words fit perfectly into rap lyrics and can add a special feeling to the songs. My goal is for people in other parts of Iran to know Borazjan and understand that this small city has a lot to say. Preserving the local accent is a sign of my authenticity and deep connection to my city.

In your performances.–

Especially street styles.—

“You were the only girl present. How did you deal with these masculine spaces and gender stereotypes?”

People always ask me why, as the only girl, I participate in performances with so many boys. For me, it’s all normal; gender has never been and is not an issue for me. I don’t understand why it should be strange for a girl to sing. I don’t see myself as a girl in male spaces; this is a place for everyone and no one should be judged based on their gender. Gender cannot limit my abilities and it is in no way a determining factor in my artistic path. For me, singing is like breathing and nothing can stop me from doing it. I believe that gender should not be a barrier to achieving our dreams and expressing ourselves. When I sing, I feel like I am showing everyone that gender has no limitations.

After the release of the video of the arrests, how did you feel about how the underground community and artists reacted to this event?

“When I was arrested, I knew I was not alone. While I was in prison, I was sure that there were people who would follow up on my situation. Even when I went to the police station, the chief looked at me with surprise and said, ‘Close the door, his supporters are throwing stones!’ I could hear the sound of stones as anyone who passed by would hit the door of the police station as a sign of protest. After my release, I found out that many people had sent messages and were worried about me. These supports were very important to me because I realized that my actions had not been in vain and my voice had reached many. These events showed me that the underground community and artists still care about each other and stand together. The support I received gave me the motivation to continue even stronger and more determined.”

Your poems often contain vulgar words, drugs, and sexual concepts. What message lies behind this sharp language and why do you use this method to express your opinions?

Rap is a branch of music for me, and like any other branch, there are those who talk nonsense and those who express reality. I am myself in my songs and I don’t imitate anyone or anything. If I want to protest, I don’t call my audience lovingly. Rap is a battlefield for me; a place where I have to give answers to criticisms and words that are thrown at me and be the winner. These vulgar words are not just words for me; they are the sound of my anger and protest towards a world that doesn’t understand me. With this language, I express my moments and I don’t run away from who I really am. Maybe many people think this language is harsh and unpleasant, but for me, this language is my reality; a reality that cannot be ignored.

As a poet and songwriter, how do you turn personal experiences and emotions into poems and songs? Is this process considered a form of therapy for you?

100%! Writing for me is a completely personal process where my experiences and emotions are transformed into words. When I start writing, it’s like I’m turning all the events that have happened in my life into a story. Every poem I write is a part of myself; a part of the pains, joys, and memories that I will never forget. This process is a form of therapy for me; a way to express what weighs heavy on my heart and sometimes I can’t put into words. Writing allows me to get closer to myself and every time I read my words, I feel like I am reconstructing myself. For me, every line and every song is a step towards mental and spiritual freedom.

What are the social and familial challenges that you face as a teenage girl in the city? Have these challenges affected your artistic lifestyle?

Every day, there is a new story. I live in a small town where I am always judged; from the way I dress to why I rap. I always have to fight for everything; from the way I dress to even getting a tattoo. These limitations have always tried to put me in a cage, but I have learned that these challenges have made me stronger. Growing up in such an environment has taught me that nothing can stand in my way unless I allow it to. Even after prison, my writing decreased; as if a part of my mind was stuck in a dark place. But these challenges have taught me to never give up and always fight for myself. This path has not been easy, but it has shaped me and made me into who I am today.

What things have enabled you to continue on your path despite all limitations and obstacles and stand against opposition?

Why shouldn’t I sing when I have a good voice? When I feel like music is the only thing I can do well, why should I give it up? I believe that no one can determine what is good for you and what is not. Maybe many people think that the path I have chosen is wrong, but I enjoy my life. Nothing can stop me from singing; not fear, not opposition, not limitations. Every time I doubted myself, I reminded myself why I chose this path. For me, music is everything and I can’t live without it. Every time I go on stage or start writing, I feel like I am showing a part of myself to the world and there is nothing more valuable than that.

What message do your tattoos, type of clothing, and lifestyle as a part of your artistic identity convey to society?

Each of my tattoos has a story, and each of them is a part of me that I will never regret. My tattoos, my style of dress, and my lifestyle all show that I don’t have to be like anyone else or behave like others. Everyone has the right to be themselves, regardless of others’ judgments. When someone asks me why I have this tattoo or why I dress a certain way, I smile and say that everyone has their own taste. I love my tattoos because each one reminds me of moments in my life that have been important to me. My message to others is that no one should tell you how to live your life or what to do. Everyone should listen to their inner voice and be proud of who they are. I always want to be myself and enjoy the path I have chosen, no matter how difficult it may be.

Do you feel that your gender has been a barrier to your progress in music? If yes, how do you deal with these obstacles?

Yes, I cannot deny that my gender has created many obstacles in my path. For example, no matter how hard I try, I cannot get a permit to read; let alone trying to be active in this style of protest rap. I always have to be careful that the police and security forces are not lurking in our meetings and sessions. I have seen many times that because of my presence, other kids have been arrested and this pressure has always been on my shoulders. But I have learned to create my own territory; a place where I can read and rap without fear. To overcome these obstacles, I try to maintain small and limited gatherings and distance myself from public spaces. I will not give up reading, because I know this is my path and nothing can stop my passion and enthusiasm. Gender is not an obstacle for me; it is a motivation to show that a girl can shine in this space and make her voice heard by others.

The generation that is known as the “eighties” has its own words and ways to make social changes.

The 1980s generation is one that no longer wants to live according to past patterns and limitations. This generation does not accept being judged based on gender, religion, or even clothing and beliefs. For us, sexual restrictions, gender stereotypes, and societal impositions have no place. The 1980s generation is more sensitive to their surroundings and wants to live in new and different ways. We no longer want to live according to old routines and are looking for ways to break free from outdated frameworks. We believe in change and know that if something is going to change, we must start with ourselves. This generation wants to challenge everyone and tell them that the way of life should be free and chosen by each individual. We no longer accept having our decisions made by others; we want to make our own decisions for ourselves.

What impact has the experience of prison and then the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement had on your perspectives and activities? Has this experience been inspiring for you?

Prison was an experience that changed my life forever. I was only 18 years old when I went to the women’s prison in Bushehr and saw that there were good people who were imprisoned simply for expressing their opinions and beliefs. This experience taught me that the worst thing they can do to us is to put us in prison, and I am no longer afraid of this. The “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement was a great inspiration for me. Seeing girls and women bravely protesting in the streets and fighting for their rights gave me hope and motivation. I believe that nothing can hold us back. No matter how hard they try to suppress us, we only become stronger. This movement taught me to never give up on our demands. These experiences showed me that I am not alone and my voice is part of a larger wave that wants to change society.

After being released from prison, why did you decide to distance yourself from the virtual space? Was this a conscious choice?

After being released from prison, I felt like I had lost a part of myself. For a long time, I couldn’t write or remember my poems. Every day in prison, I would read my texts to myself, but when I was free, it was as if something inside me had gone silent. I felt lost and distanced myself from the virtual world because I didn’t want to be the center of attention. I was afraid of being under pressure again and how it would affect my family. But as time passed and I realized there were still people who believed in me and supported me, I decided to return to the virtual world and continue stronger than before. This distance was a way of protecting myself so I could regain my energy and come back to the field with even more strength.

What kind of support do you see necessary from the community and artistic institutions for artists like yourself? Do you think there is enough support?

Unfortunately, support for underground artists is very limited. It could even be said that there is more stoning and humiliation than support. For artists like me who work in protest styles, there is no support and we are always under pressure and threat. We need suitable spaces to perform our music and share our work, support that allows us to share our art without fear of arrest and restriction. Hashtags like “art is not a crime” may be encouraging, but they are not enough. We need to be allowed to sing and protest freely, without facing security threats. Support for underground artists should be practical and include providing spaces for performance and publication of our works. But currently, instead of support, we face more obstacles and pressures that try to silence our voices.

What are the things that make hip hop music so popular for you and your generation? Is this genre a form of protest?

Hip-hop is something beyond music for our generation; it is a genre of free expression of emotions, anger, and social concerns that perhaps no other style can portray. Rap is a straightforward and explicit language that can convey a lot in a short amount of time. For many, when they are upset, they turn to traditional or old music, but when they are stressed and angry, nothing can improve their mood like a good rap. Hip-hop encompasses everything; from personal thoughts and love songs to sharp protests and social critiques. This style allows us to speak without censorship or limitations, and that is what makes it so appealing to us. Hip-hop is the voice of protest and resistance for me and my generation; a voice that says we are no longer willing to remain silent.

As an underground artist, what advice do you have for those who give up pursuing their desired art due to social and familial circumstances?

If you want something with all your heart, nothing should stand in your way. I know that social and family circumstances can divert many of us from our path, but I believe that if the voice within you leads you towards the art you love, you should not easily give it up. No one can determine what is right or wrong for you. Art means finding yourself and allowing yourself to make mistakes, learn, and continue. If we all listened to others, no one would ever reach their dreams. To all those who are in difficult situations, I say that your art is valuable. Even if the world tells you that you can’t, believe in yourself and continue on your path. No one but you can make decisions for you.

Do you feel that music and poetry can be the voice of the new generation? If yes, what needs to change for artists like you to be seen more?

Yes, I believe that my music and lyrics can be the voice of the new generation, because they, like me, have similar concerns and are constrained by societal limitations. In order for artists like me to be seen more, the first step is to change perspectives. We must accept that art and music should be free and artists should not be under pressure or threat. We need to be allowed to perform in public spaces without fear of suppression. Artists should be given specific spaces for meetings and live performances so they can share their work. We do not want to remain hidden in the underground; we want our voices to be heard and to be seen. For this to happen, we need practical and real support that allows us to showcase our art to the world.

How do you see your future and music? Do you think you can continue on your path despite all the challenges?

I see my future while I am on stage, singing for my fans; those who believed in me from day one and were with me. I know I have a difficult road ahead, but nothing can stop me. Every challenge I have faced has only made me stronger and believe more in myself and my art. For me, music is the only way I can live and without it, life is meaningless. I want to show everyone that nothing can stop me from singing and expressing my truth. No matter what happens, I will not back down and always remember why I chose this path. Music is everything to me and every morning I wake up with the thought that I have to fight for it.

If you had a message to the previous generation of society, what would you say? What things do you want to defend and what changes do you demand?

If I could give a message to the previous generation, it would be to respect our decisions and choices and understand that the world has changed. We no longer want to live within old and limited frameworks. I tell them that about 50 years ago, when they had a revolution, they made a decision that not only affected themselves, but also future generations. But now it is time to allow us to build our own lives. We do not want to live according to past stereotypes and impositions, and we want to freely choose our own path. I ask them to listen to us instead of judging and imposing beliefs, and to understand that every generation has the right to follow their own path. Social and cultural changes are inevitable, and we want them to understand and allow us to be ourselves.

Thank you for the time you have given to the peace line.