Amazumi believes music has the power to connect people
Her music is deeply personal, drawing from her life experiences, struggles, and triumphs. She channels her repressed feelings and emotional turmoil into her art, creating a powerful connection with her listeners
Sumnima Setling calls herself ‘Amazumi’. The name is inspired by the Amazon rainforest and the struggles of the ‘Yanomami’ tribe and the way of the indigenous lifestyle. The name reflects the strength and connection to nature which is the foundation of her identity. “When I perform on stage, it feels like I have the whole world in my hands and the name is what gives me that energy or power,” she says.
Born in Hong Kong, she has been traveling to different countries for various purposes. After spending her formative years in Nepal and Hong Kong, she decided to study journalism in India. She was just 17. She explored storytelling through various mediums, gaining invaluable experience in the world of performance, theater, and visual storytelling that later shaped her career in music.
“My dad’s younger brother gifted me an electric guitar and encouraged my musical endeavors. I played in every school band, performed in plays, dances, karaoke contests and concerts,” she adds, explaining how she got interested in music.
When she was in England, she immersed herself in a vibrant community of musicians and rappers. The experience of participating in rap cyphers opened her eyes to the freedom of expression inherent in rap music—a stark contrast to the structured limitations she felt in journalism.
Her foray into Hip Hop happened in 2019 after being selected in De Nieuwe Lichting, a nationwide music competition in Belgium. The experience of performing on a stage previously graced by Kendrick Lamar solidified her passion for music. “I realized that through my art, I could channel my emotions, past, and cultural heritage into something powerful,” she says.
Amazumi’s musical style is a captivating blend of nu metal, and rap. Growing up, she was influenced by alternative rock, grunge and nu-metal, genres that reflect raw emotion and authenticity. “For people to truly grasp the weight behind a word like ‘Hangma’ (Queen in Limbu language), recognize lines from a Bhailini song (that I perform in an unreleased track) and feel the warmth and pride that I have experienced in Nepal hits differently,” she says.
Her music is characterized by aggressive sounds yet empathetic lyrics that demand a certain level of energy from her audience. Her performance often incorporates elements from her Nepali roots, with occasional Limbu and Nepali words that enhance the authenticity of her narratives.
Amazumi says her music is deeply personal, drawing from her life experiences, struggles, and triumphs. She channels her repressed feelings and emotional turmoil into her art, creating a powerful connection with her listeners. This emotional depth is particularly resonant in her performances, where she feels an almost transcendent connection to her audience, a feeling she describes as being ‘possessed’ by the music.
“Navigating the music industry as a woman presents unique challenges, particularly in a genre often dominated by male artists. I acknowledge that the struggle for recognition can be twice as difficult for women rappers, yet I believe that the quality of their music often surpasses expectations,” she says. “Women often don’t get paid on time and they don’t get paid enough which is another challenge.”
She confesses that initially her family was skeptical about her musical aspirations, viewing it as a mere hobby. However, their perspective has shifted as she began to establish her career. Today, her parents’ encouragement is a source of strength.
Her journey in music reached a pivotal moment when she performed in Nepal, where she felt a deep connection with her audience. The appreciation and recognition she received were transformative, solidifying her identity as an artist. Her lyrics, particularly in her native languages, creates an emotional bond with listeners, allowing her to reclaim her narrative and redefine success.
“I want my audience to feel like they can create their own identity and do whatever they want and follow the passion and utilize the freedom in music,” says Amazumi. She wants her audience to feel like they are being transported to a different world when they are at her concert.
Apart from her involvement in the music industry, she loves theater and wants to create a new platform for young girls who want to pursue rap music. Her journey, she says, isn’t just about personal expression. It’s a celebration of heritage, empowerment, and the transformative power of art. Drawing strength from her experiences across continents—from stories learnt of tribes fighting for their land and culture in the lush landscapes of the Amazon rainforest as well as her own native land of Yakthung people to the vibrant rhythms of Nepal and thriving artistic communities in Belgium—Amazumi’s music and storytelling have an authenticity that is unmatched.
In addition to her musical endeavors, Amazumi is committed to fostering a sense of community and empowerment among aspiring female artists. She co-organized the “God is a WOMAN” hip-hop festival in The wonderland, a celebration of all female talent that garnered significant support from the Embassy of Switzerland. This initiative not only showcased incredible female artists but also inspired young girls in Nepal to pursue their dreams in a male-dominated industry.
Amazumi’s dedication to her craft and community reflects her belief in the transformative power of music. She actively engages with her audience, sharing stories and experiences that resonate on a personal level, creating a safe space for dialogue and connection. Her journey, marked by resilience and passion, is a testament to the power of art in bridging divides and fostering understanding. Through her music, she not only shares her own experiences but also amplifies the voices of those who often go unheard.
As Amazumi continues to evolve as an artist, she remains deeply connected to her roots, drawing inspiration from her past while forging a path into the future. With each performance, she captivates audiences, reminding them of the beauty of authenticity and the importance of storytelling in our lives. Amazumi is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music industry, a true embodiment of strength, creativity, and cultural pride.
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