Divine, whose real name is Vivian Fernandes, is an Indian rapper hailing from the vibrant streets of Andheri, Mumbai. Born on October 2, 1990, Divine’s journey from the chawls of J. B. Nagar to the global hip-hop scene is nothing short of remarkable.
Growing up in a lower-middle-class orthodox Christian family, Divine faced early challenges. His abusive father left the family, and his mother moved to Qatar for work, leaving him and his elder brother in their grandmother’s care. Loneliness became his companion as his brother also eventually moved to Qatar to support their mother.
Divine’s life took a turn when he spotted someone wearing a t-shirt with 50 Cent’s image. Intrigued, he delved into the world of hip-hop. His friend gifted him a CD with songs by Eminem and 50 Cent, further fueling his passion.
In 2013, Divine released his single “Yeh Mera Bombay”, which garnered attention. His gritty lyrics, raw energy, and authentic storytelling resonated with listeners. He continued to make waves, and in 2017, he lent his voice to the Bollywood film “Mukkabaaz” with the track “Paintra”.
However, it was “Gully Boy” (2019) that catapulted Divine into the limelight. Portrayed by Ranveer Singh, Divine’s character became synonymous with the underground rap movement in India. His music reflects the struggles, dreams, and aspirations of the streets, making him a voice for the unheard.
Standing at 5’ 6", Divine’s physical stature belies the immense impact he has had on the Indian music scene. His influences range from Michael Jackson to Nas, and his favorite tracks include “Changes” by Tupac and “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar.
Divine’s journey is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of music to transcend boundaries. From the chawls of Mumbai to global recognition, he remains a beacon for aspiring artists, proving that talent knows no bounds.
Divine Songs
In 2013, Divine released his debut single, “Yeh Mera Bombay”, which gained attention for its gritty lyrics and raw energy. Here are the Top ten songs of divine:
1. “Mere Gully Mein”: An anthem that celebrates the streets of Mumbai and the raw energy of its people.
2. “Kohinoor”: A powerful track where Divine reflects on his journey and the pursuit of greatness.
3. “Kaam 25”: A gritty song that delves into the struggles and realities of life.
4. “3:59 AM”: Divine boasts about his achievements, influences, and impact on the music industry.
5. “Remand”: A hard-hitting track that showcases his lyrical prowess.
6. “Walking Miracle”: A reminder of his roots and the streets of Bombay where he started rapping.
7. “City Slum”: Collaborating with rapper Raja Kumari, Divine paints a vivid picture of urban life.
8. “Teesri Manzil”: A track that can play on loop for a long time, capturing Divine’s signature style.
9. “No Fake Ones”: Skepta’s beats complement Divine’s flow perfectly.
10. “Mellow but with Meaning”: A reflective song that wraps it all up for him.
Divine, the Indian rapper known for his raw energy and authentic storytelling, has a fascinating life beyond the mic. Here are some intriguing details about his hobbies and interests:
1. Travelling: Divine loves to explore new places and soak in diverse cultures. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Mumbai or international destinations, he finds inspiration in his travels.
2. Gymming: To maintain his physical fitness and stage presence, Divine hits the gym regularly. His dedication to fitness reflects in his energetic performances.
3. Tattoos: Divine proudly wears tattoos that hold personal significance. On his right forearm, you’ll find a house and a tree inked, while his right chest bears the wings of a bird.
4. Dog Lover: Divine is an avid dog lover. He has a pit bull named Grumpee, who probably shares his passion for music and street vibes.
5. Car Enthusiast: Divine received a special gift from the chairman of Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra—a Mahindra Thar CRDe. This rugged SUV perfectly complements his persona.
6. Music Entrepreneur: Beyond his own music, Divine founded the Mumbai-based crew Gully Gang and runs a music label with the same name. His commitment to nurturing talent is commendable.
From the chawls of J. B. Nagar to global recognition, Divine’s hobbies reflect his authenticity and passion.