Meet Navz 47, a musical powerhouse whose journey from Colombo who has taken the music industry by storm. Born Naveeni Athanasious Philip, Navz 47’s talent as a rapper, singer, songwriter, has garnered international recognition. Her versatility is evident showcasing her prowess in linguistic and musical dexterity through her rap. From humble beginnings in Sri Lanka to collaborating with industry giant like Santhosh Narayanan, her story is a testament to the boundless possibilities of talent and determination in the ever-evolving world of music.

Navz 47’s moniker is not just a name but a testament to her artistic vision and tenacity. Unlike an AK-47 piercing the heart, Navz 47’s rap heals it. With an unwavering dedication to her craft and a deep admiration for icons like Kavignar Kannadasan, Navz 47’s music resonates not just for its melodic charm but also for its poignant storytelling and relatability.

The turning point came when Navz 47, facing adversity after losing her job, which made her go on a transformative journey from Montreal to Chennai, armed with determination and passion for her craft. Her perseverance bore fruit as her music video ‘Pattasu’ went viral, catching the attention of industry stalwarts like AR Rahman’s music platform Maajja. This catapulted her into the limelight, leading to collaborations with renowned talents like Shan Vincent De Paul and composer Santhosh Narayanan.

How has life changed for you after becoming a rap artist, especially considering the recognition you received after ‘Neeye Oli’ in Chennai? Could you share more about your experience performing at the ‘Neeye Oli’ concert and how it felt to be an integral part of such a significant event?
Life after becoming a rap artist has been awesome so far. The recognition I received after “Neeye Oli” in Chennai has been significant, and I feel very happy about it. Regarding the “Neeye Oli” concert, it happened because Meenakshi Ma’am reached out to me. Although my part in “Neeye Oli” was only 30 seconds, they felt my presence was crucial for the concert’s theme, considering the whole concert was named after the song. The concert was a success, and I even performed a little extra because of its significance being titled “Neeye Oli.”

How did it feel to perform in your hometown of ‘Jaffna’ after performing in many countries over the years?
After my performance in Jaffna, I had a heartfelt conversation with my mom, expressing that I felt like retiring because that moment felt like the pinnacle of my career. Performing in front of my own people brought me immense joy, a feeling that words can’t fully capture. The happiness and emotions were palpable not just in me but also in the many Tamil immigrant artists who shared the stage with me during that unforgettable performance.

If Sri Lanka had been peaceful, what would Naveeni be in Sri Lanka instead of being a Tamil immigrant rapper in Canada?
If my country had been peaceful, I might have settled down, gotten married, had children (laughs), and possibly pursued a career as a teacher. However, my journey as Navz-47 began due to immigrating to Canada during the war. I wrote my first song when I was just 15 years old. If my homeland had been peaceful, I believe I would have found peace in that environment as well.

How do you connect with the audience while travelling to different countries and performing?
Rapping in Tamil creates a strong connection with my audience wherever I perform. Since my audience primarily comprises Tamil-speaking individuals, I always feel a sense of belonging no matter where I go to perform.

The reason Navz-47 exists is because of the imaginary character Malli. Have you encountered a character like Malli in real life?
I encounter many Malli’s in real life. When I was 15, I dreamt of being Malli. If I hadn’t immigrated to Canada, I might have become Malli by now. Interestingly, there’s also a person named Malli in Chennai who contributed to a chorus part in one of my songs, which will be released soon.

What steps do you take to preserve the importance of Tamil within your family since you immigrated?
At home, my mother strictly forbids me from speaking French. It would cause significant issues if I did. While I speak French at school, once I’m home, I must speak only in Tamil as per our household rules. I always make it a point to speak in Tamil wherever I go and with whomever I interact with and read Tamil newspapers.

When it comes to cinema, why is Sri Lanka not able to produce high-quality movies?
I believe there’s a lack of substantial economic support for the film industry in Sri Lanka, and additionally, Kollywood serves as the central hub for Tamil cinema. If someone aspires to become an actor or director in Tamil cinema, they typically need to come to this region to further their career.

What can you share about your experience working with Pa Ranjith and Santhosh Narayanan in Tamil cinema?
Pa Ranjith a visionary who has revolutionised Tamil cinema. I have much to learn and draw inspiration from him, and I hope to see him continue to thrive and grow. As for SaNa, he’s an incredible music director with a lot of insights to share. I believe people should celebrate his contributions in the manner he deserves, and I’m grateful for the significant opportunity he gave me in Tamil cinema.

How happy are you to see more women entering the rap scene and making strides in the industry?
I’m delighted to see an increasing number of women entering the rap scene, and I believe many more female artists should continue to rise to the next level. The independent music scene has undergone a significant transformation, with audiences placing a great deal of importance on independent songs.

What upcoming projects do you have in store?
F.O.B (Fresh Off The Board) is a song that encapsulates my journey, detailing how I left Sri Lanka due to the war and immigration. It delves into themes of identity, my longing for a country of our own, the pain of losing loved ones, and the importance of following my culture.

#Rapidfire

Favourite Artist
M.I.A.

Favourite Song
Neeye Oli.

Dream Collaboration
AR Rahman.

Song you wished you could have written
Karuppi from ‘Pariyerum Perumal’.

What is rap to you ?
Rap is life to me.

Saree or Suit
Both.

Ultimate goal as an artist
To be genuine.