From Cypher to Stage – RAADA’s Debut

For many Indian rappers, the journey doesn’t begin with a mic or a stage — it begins with a beat, a verse, and a burning need to be heard. They write in school notebooks, record on mobile apps, and when the time comes to perform, they step into circles called cyphers — the first stepping stone for most hip-hop artists in India.

What Is a Cypher? The Heart of Indian Hip-Hop

A cypher is a raw, informal gathering where rappers come together to share their verses in rotation. There's no spotlight, no sound engineer — just Bluetooth speakers, maybe a shared mic, and artists hungry to express themselves. These gatherings are organized through WhatsApp groups, Instagram stories, or word-of-mouth, and often take place in public spaces — parks, college grounds, street corners, or community halls.

Yet, the challenge is real. In most cyphers, the crowd is made up of other rappers. Many attend not to listen, but to perform — which means the appreciation is limited. Artists perform their best bars, but often leave feeling unheard.

Cyphers are essential. They build community, sharpen skills, and create collaboration. But for many talented voices, they also become a ceiling — a loop where growth is limited if no bridge to a larger audience exists.

Occasionally, clips from these gatherings go viral — a 60-second reel that sparks conversation and recognition. But for every clip that trends, dozens of strong performances remain unseen.

RAADA Steps In: Azadi Haq Se, A First of Its Kind

On 26th January 2024, RAADA hosted its debut concert, titled Azadi Haq Se, at an open-air venue in Mulund, Mumbai. The goal was simple but ambitious: give real stage time to artists who had only experienced cypher circles till now.

Through a curated online selection, 15 rappers were chosen and given a theme: freedom and expression through hip-hop. They were joined on stage by 3 beatboxers, 3 graffiti artists, and a hip-hop dance crew — making the event a full celebration of hip-hop elements.

The turnout was inspiring — over 1000 people gathered, not to compete, but to truly listen. It was a well-managed, high-energy event that gave performers the one thing missing from their journey so far: a real audience.

A special moment unfolded when Indian Idol Contestant singer Anshika Chonkar spontaneously joined beatboxers on stage. It was unplanned, unscripted, and powerful — perfectly capturing the spirit of what RAADA stands for.

Cyphers Are a Start, Not a Destination

RAADA exists not as a promise of fame, but as an opportunity — a first mic, a first cheer, a first spotlight. We’re not here to replace cyphers. We honor them. But we also believe that cyphers should be the beginning, not the limit.

As the saying goes, “It’s okay to be born poor, but not okay to die poor.”
In the same way — it’s okay to start in cyphers, but not okay to stay only in cyphers.

Your words deserve more than just repetition — they deserve reach.

Be Part of What’s Next

Stay tuned with the RAADA community — something powerful is cooking. We're working to build a new pathway, one that connects the energy of the cypher with the power of the stage.

Get involved. Be in the moment.

“Don’t stick to small happiness. Struggle for the kind of joy that moves mountains.”