Kolkata sure knows how to party: Reble

A gastropub in Sector V morphed into a high-octane haven for hip-hop lovers on Saturday night, all thanks to Shillong’s breakout rapper, Daia Lamare, better known as Reble. With bright lights, a thumping bass and a crowd that refused to stand still – Reble performed her hits like Run Down the City – Monica from Dhurandhar and Ari Ari from Dhurandhar: The Revenge. We chatted with the rapper post-show to know what performing in Kolkata felt like, the story behind her stage name, and what inspires her sound and writing.

‘Performing for the city’s diverse crowd was exciting’
For Reble, performing in Kolkata felt like stepping into an unfamiliar, but thrilling territory. “It was definitely a different crowd from my usual experiences, very diverse,” she said. “And that’s what made it special. You don’t always see so many people from different age groups and communities coming together like this.” Off stage, her answer about Kolkata’s biggest attraction was sweet and simple – “The food,” she said, reaching for another rosogolla post the show.

‘Everything I do comes from my own experiences’

We asked Reble the story behind her stage name. “It stands for rebellion,” she said. She says coming from Meghalaya, she’s had to push harder to be seen in a space that doesn’t always spotlight voices from the Northeast. “I’ve had to work twice as hard. But I believe our people will rise. There’s so much talent, and the youth will change the game,” she said. Her music, she insists, is deeply personal. “Everything I do comes from my own experiences. I take emotions and turn that into rap. That’s what fuels me even today. There’s no pretence, no borrowed voice, just lived truth,” she explained.

‘My own music is who I am —everything else is just part of the journey’
Reble’s unique rap and sound shot her to fame with Dhurandhar’s soundtrack. Talking about this, she says, “My own music will always be my priority, my identity,” adding, “Commercial work feels like a side quest – I enjoy it, but I just love making music, no matter what form it takes.”

Set list for the evening:

1. New Riot
2. Terror
3. Monica (Run down the city)
4. Muse
5. Ari Ari

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