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Emiway Bantai: India's Biggest Independent Rapper, Built on the Internet

Bilal Shaikh, born 13 November 1995 in Bengaluru and raised in Mumbai, best known as Emiway Bantai, is an Indian hip-hop artist, rapper, and producer. An independent artist, he has built a fan base entirely through social media, releasing popular videos for singles such as "Machayenge" (2019) and "Firse Machayenge" (2020) to reach a global audience. He is widely regarded as one of India's biggest independent rappers, and his story is a case study in what an artist can achieve without a major label.

Early Life and the Emiway Name

Shaikh grew up in Antop Hill, Mumbai, where he learned Mumbai slang. Around 2010, his classmates introduced him to hip-hop through Eminem's "Not Afraid." He took his stage name from two of his early influences, Eminem and Lil Wayne. After dropping out of school, he worked as a helper at the Hard Rock Cafe in Mumbai to support himself while pursuing music.

Building an Audience Online

Emiway began releasing music in 2013, starting with the English song "Glint Lock" in 2014 before transitioning to Hindi music. His song "Aur Bantai" (2014) became his first significant hit. Tracks like "Mazak Hai Kya" and "Boht Hard" followed, built on themes of friendship, confidence, and forging ahead. His song "Asli Hip-Hop" was featured in the 2019 Bollywood film Gully Boy, and he represented India at YouTube Fanfest in 2020.

The Machayenge Breakthrough

In January 2019, Emiway released the party anthem "Machayenge," which became one of the most-streamed Indian rap songs by an independent artist. The 2020 follow-up, "Firse Machayenge," included a remix featuring American rapper Macklemore. In 2019, he won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Indian Act, and in 2021 he served as a judge on the reality show Red Bull Spotlight.

Independence as a Business Model

Despite offers from major labels, Emiway chose to remain unsigned, founding his own label, Bantai Records, in 2021, which has signed artists including Loka, Swaalina, and Young Galib. He has collaborated with international artists including Macklemore, Snoop Dogg, and DAX. His catalogue spans R&B, drill, trap, and hardcore hip-hop, and his versatility across genres has widened his appeal. His career shows that with consistency, direct fan connection, and control over one's own art, an independent artist can reach a global audience on their own terms.

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