Hiwa Sotodeh
Biography
Hiwa Sotodeh, born on July 18, 2003, in Sardasht, Kurdistan, Iran, is a young but highly creative rapper with a Kurdish style. He chose his stage name because it was easier for his foreign friends to pronounce. He says, “Hiwa means hope and has an ancient Kurdish root.” This young rapper entered the field of computer science and received his degree in this field. Hiwa has six brothers and sixteen sisters and is the youngest son in the family.
Early Career
What age were you when you first wrote a poem and made a song, and what happened?
When I was 13 years old, I had a computer and a microphone that I practiced with. I recorded my first music in FL Studio. Then I downloaded some beats and put them in FL Studio, and I really made a bad song. I took a sample of it and hurriedly went to my mother and family to play it for them. They found it strange because at that time, there were only a few Kurdish rappers. They asked me, “What is this nonsense?” That was the first time I recorded my voice.
Current Activities
How is your current situation?
This year I am busy and started with a lot of energy. I am trying to release 5 songs in my schedule. However, my manager hasn’t allowed it yet and told me to take it a bit slower.
Goals and Vision
What is the biggest goal you are starting and want to complete?
I chose rapping as a form of protest, and I rap for the freedom of Kurdistan. I think about rap from morning till night. One night in the middle of my sleep, I see these things. Concerts, recording, etc., come to my mind, and sometimes I think of several songs before I sleep.
Contributions to Kurdish Rap
What do you think you have added to Kurdish rap?
My rap style is a protest against oppressors and tyrants, and I have added something new to Kurdish rap for the freedom of Kurdistan. My style is different from today's rappers who talk about social issues. It’s not that it’s opposed to that style; it’s just different.
Professional Events
What professional events will be happening for you?
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Reflection on Past Works
Have you ever listened to old things and thought, “I wish I hadn’t sung this”? And have you considered re-recording them?
This is something that happens to all artists. I don’t like my old works anymore, but I’m not thinking about re-recording them.
Challenges and Stress
Which releases have you felt stressed about?
At first, I was very stressed. But in the last few months, it has decreased. I say it will be released or people will like it or not. I was very stressed, especially about the song “Bo Kurdistan,” which will be released soon.
What is the hardest part of being a rapper?
There is a lot of competition. Almost every day, you have to think about creating something new to remain relevant and unforgettable in rap.
Fan Reactions
What has been the strangest reaction from fans?
I really love my fans. Something that often happens is that someone says, “So-and-so loves you very much; can you say something to them in front of the camera?” Then I am stunned. It’s strange, and I don’t know what to say. For example, if it's their birthday, I congratulate them; otherwise, I just say goodbye. I have never been upset with them. They always love me.