Daiaphi Lamare, better known by his stage name Reble, has opened up about the strange backlash and accusations he faced after scoring a major hit with the soundtrack of the blockbuster film Dhurandhar.The 24-year-old rapper, singer and songwriter from Shillong, Meghalaya has become one of the newest voices in Indian hip-hop, following his unapologetic rapping style and distinctive vocals on tracks like Run Down the City – Monica and Naal Nachna.
Engineering student to hip-hop breakout star
Before entering the music industry full-time, Reble earned a BTech degree from Visvesvaraya Technological University. However, he eventually chose to stray from the corporate path to pursue hip-hop professionally.The artist started performing under the stage name ‘Daya’ in 2018, before changing his name to Reble in 2019. Over the years, he built a following in Shillong’s independent music scene before making a national breakthrough with Dhurandhar.
“People think you’ve sold your soul”
Speaking to BBC News India, Reble has responded to the criticism that has arisen following his Bollywood success, with some accusing him of ‘selling out’ or even associating his music with satanic themes due to references to ‘demons’.“When you become commercially successful, people think you’ve sold your soul,” he said.According to the report, some netizens even labeled his music anti-Christian – a criticism particularly sensitive in Meghalaya, where church culture strongly shapes public life.However, Reble was undeterred by the controversy and suggested that people often misunderstood the themes of his music.
“I’m flexible with the projects I take on”
Although he has an increasing presence in mainstream cinema, Reble clarified that he is careful with the projects he chooses.“For me, doing film music feels more like an experiment than a commitment. If I’m singing for a film, I enjoy it,” he said, adding, “But I’m selective about the projects I take on.”Dhurandhar’s work introduced millions to his multilingual rap style, which mixes English with Khasi and Jaintia, the indigenous languages spoken by tribal communities in northeastern India.
Rebel at feeling inadequate
The rapper also reflected on growing up disconnected from the world around him. Born Daiaphi Lamare, he spent years in boarding schools and often struggled to fit into society.“Rapping gave shape to emotions I didn’t know how to organize before. It became the perfect medium to express that feeling of inadequacy,” he shared.Reble also spoke about representation and the challenges faced by artists in Northeast India.“I think we haven’t had the same opportunities as the rest of the country,” he said. “Having come from such a region, I feel very proud.”
“Consistency is the key”
As her popularity continues to rise, Reble said she believes persistence and self-awareness are the most important lessons she’s learned so far.“The biggest lesson so far is that consistency is key,” he shared.He also added, “If you’re not good at something, you need to get better. Be realistic enough to know how bad you are.”
