Emiway Bantai

Emiway Bantai, born Mohammed Bilal Shaikh in 1995, is an Indian rapper, singer, songwriter and independent hip-hop artist who became one of the most recognizable figures in India’s independent rap scene. Born in Bengaluru and raised in Mumbai from an early age, Emiway grew up in Antop Hill, where the language, streets and culture of Mumbai strongly influenced his musical identity. His interest in hip-hop developed after discovering artists such as Eminem and Lil Wayne, whose names also inspired the stage name “Emiway.” He began releasing music independently in 2013 and gradually built an audience through YouTube and social media without relying on the traditional major-label route. Songs such as Aur Bantai, Samajh Mein Aaya Kya?, Machayenge, Firse Machayenge and Company helped expand his audience across India and established him as an important voice in contemporary Desi hip-hop.

Emiway Bantai began his recording career in 2013, initially releasing English-language rap before increasingly embracing Hindi and the distinctive street vocabulary associated with Mumbai. His 2014 track Aur Bantai became an important early breakthrough and helped him develop a substantial independent online following. His profile grew further through releases including Samajh Mein Aaya Kya?, Khatam, Machayenge and Firse Machayenge, with Machayenge becoming one of his most widely recognized commercial songs. After years of releasing singles, Emiway released his debut album Malum Hai Na in 2021 and expanded his role in Indian hip-hop by establishing Bantai Records to support independent artists. Subsequent projects including 8 Saal, King of the Streets, Wholeheartedly, FTSTTS and CNSTNCY have demonstrated his continued output, while collaborations with Indian and international artists have extended his reach beyond the Mumbai hip-hop scene.

Emiway Bantai’s music is rooted in Indian and Desi hip-hop while incorporating trap, alternative rap, commercial hip-hop and melodic influences. His delivery ranges from aggressive battle-oriented rap and rapid flows to catchy hooks, melodic tracks and more reflective songwriting. Hindi and Mumbai street slang form an important part of his musical identity, although he has also performed in English, Marathi and Tamil. His catalogue covers competition, ambition, independence, personal struggle, relationships, success and his experiences within India’s hip-hop industry. Emiway’s direct approach to releasing music through digital platforms has also become closely connected with his artistic identity, allowing him to maintain a large independent audience while experimenting with both underground rap and commercially accessible songs.

Emiway Bantai’s major achievement has been building a large mainstream audience while operating primarily as an independent hip-hop artist. Beginning with independently released music in 2013, he used YouTube and social media to develop a following that eventually expanded into the millions. Viral releases including Machayenge and Firse Machayenge helped bring his music to audiences beyond the traditional Indian hip-hop community, while his independent approach became an important part of his public identity. He later established Bantai Records to provide opportunities and support for other developing artists. Rolling Stone India featured Emiway as its October 2021 cover artist and highlighted his impact on India’s digital-first hip-hop movement. His continued albums, collaborations, streaming success and independent releases have made him one of the most visible artists associated with modern Desi hip-hop.