Female rappers in their 80s - VnExpress Lifestyle

South Korea Suni and the Seven Princesses is a rap group made up of old ladies from Chilgok County.

The group of grandmothers who rap and compose their own music has become popular since their debut in August 2023 at a community center in Chilgok County, North Gyeongsang Province, more than four hours drive from the capital Seoul.

Park Jeom-sun, 81, the leader of the group, who goes by the stage name Suni, said that after a short time performing their self-written rap songs, "Suni and the Seven Princesses" were constantly invited to perform in towns and appear on television shows. Many of their videos have attracted more than 77,000 views on YouTube.

Park Jeom-sun, 81, leader of the group (in black hat in the center of the photo) with members Hong Sun-yeon, 79, and Jeong Du-i, 90, rap on a street in Chilgok, South Korea, February 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon

Before performing, Ms. Park and her group members wore hip-hop hats, large jewelry, and baggy clothes. The songs often revolved around rural life, promoting the spirit of work and love of life.

"I feel like I'm young again. Even though I'm old, I'm very excited," said the 81-year-old woman. She also said that pursuing her passion for singing helps relieve stress and creates excitement in life.

Members of the group Suni and the seven princesses practice before a performance, early February 2024. Source: Reuters

The eight members of the group have known each other since childhood. They all missed out on the opportunity to study after many devastating wars. It was not until 2016 that they began attending a class for seniors to learn to read and write the Korean alphabet - Hangul.

Last year, Ms. Park happened to see a rap performance on social media and decided to try learning rap from a Hangul teacher. In addition to rapping and pronouncing the right rhythm, the members also wrote their own lyrics.

Following the success of Suni and the Seven Princesses , four other rap groups with members all being elderly people have been formed in Chilgok County with the hope of preventing dementia and loneliness.

Members of the group Suni and the seven princesses compose their own rap, February 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon

Kang Hye-eun, 27, Park's granddaughter, said her grandmother was the most famous resident in Chilgok County. "I thought only celebrities had a lot of views on social media, but now my grandmother is one of them," Kang said.

Kim Jae-uk, the head of Chilgok County, said the elder rappers have made it easier for generations to interact as they become more integrated with the younger generation. This helps the younger generation realize that their grandmothers and mothers can create their own happiness instead of just relying on listening to music and watching TV.

Minh Phuong (According to Reuters, BBC, Independent )

Source: https://vnexpress.net/cac-nu-rapper-u80-4715569.html