IMPACT 0303: FOR THE LOVE OF HIP-HOP: ARTIST-MUSICIAN SHARES HIS PASSION FOR MUSIC

Muhd Hirfan, better known as San The Wordsmith, is an underground artist and musician. The 22-year-old  was a Vans Musicians Wanted Finalist for both 2020 and 2021. He has an insurmountable passion for his craft and the things he does for music. Doing his best to welcome new audiences into the Hip-Hop scene, he believes that more people would enjoy Hip-Hop if they understood the genre better. Today he shares more with us and answers some questions!

My music journey started out with more acapella and acoustics, but I moved on as I found my calling in Hip-Hop. I always had a penchant for poetry, so the transition was easy. I’m constantly looking for ways to elevate my music and share my methods with the community. I try to spread awareness of Hip-Hop as I believe it is a pure art form. The many sub-genres give variety to listeners and I hope for people to understand that. I sometimes teach about lyricism, flows and cadences if the opportunity arises.

My late father was my biggest inspiration to continue pursuing my journey in music. He was my role model. He was someone who believed that you should do whatever you want to do if it makes you happy. When I first started out, he was the most supportive of my choice and had the biggest influence on my growth as an artist. Because of that, I want to do the same for others. It gives me great joy to see people enjoying my craft. It also gives me the motivation to keep going.

I have had my days as a struggling independent artist and still do. But I try to pay no attention to it as I believe it is part and parcel of trying to find my identity. It is difficult to be independent when you lack many resources. Aside from the time you spend living life, you still have to plan your releases, find editors, and think of who to pitch your demo to. It was one of the longest struggles I had to face before meeting the people I know today. The struggle was inevitable, but that was what moulded me into who I am today. In hindsight, the mistakes I’ve made helped me grow as a person.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, you can’t run from them. At least you did something to try, and that’s way better than not doing anything at all.

I plan to continue spreading the love and joy I get from this musical journey and ultimately want to grow the Hip-Hop community. Personally, I dream of receiving a Grammy or some kind of award, together with others from my community as I empower them to pursue music too.