Blazing a trail He's just won the MTV Youth Icon Award and made the city proud. *Expresso*caught up with rap<http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Blazing+a+trail&artid=xU4eCZln%7CGE=&SectionID=fxm0uEWnVpc=&MainSectionID=fxm0uEWnVpc=&SEO=Blaaze&SectionName=RtFD/%7CpZbbWSsbI0jf3F5Q==#>star Blaaze (who was among several other winners this year) and found out more about him and the award and how it's changed things for him.
So, how does it feel winning the title of MTV<http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Blazing+a+trail&artid=xU4eCZln%7CGE=&SectionID=fxm0uEWnVpc=&MainSectionID=fxm0uEWnVpc=&SEO=Blaaze&SectionName=RtFD/%7CpZbbWSsbI0jf3F5Q==#>Youth Icon? Blaaze replies, "Its feels like a blessing. The nomination in itself was a reward as it gave the platform for my 'message-oriented' raps to get noticed, and now with the win it truly makes me believe it's not where you're from, or where you're at that's important. It's purely the work which speaks for itself and is being heard as an Indian message, not just from the north or south. I am proud to be a winner from Chennai!" So, what does it entail to be nominated for such an award ? Says Blaaze, "I think they look at a nominees' contribution to society, his perseverance and ability to realise his dreams." Though there is no prize, citation or ceremony involved with this award, it's still a great moment for any winner. Blaaze reveals why it's memorable, " It's special for me because it highlights my non-film work, such as the lyrics with A R Rahman for Pray For Me, Brother.. and the songs<http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Blazing+a+trail&artid=xU4eCZln%7CGE=&SectionID=fxm0uEWnVpc=&MainSectionID=fxm0uEWnVpc=&SEO=Blaaze&SectionName=RtFD/%7CpZbbWSsbI0jf3F5Q==#>that have been released earlier on Bilkis Bano and the Gujarat Riots, The Godmen issue and Religion, the song on Banning The Crooked Police. I think the awareness it creates has been the reason for the nomination." Blaaze tells us how the channel plans to take the message of the work of the winners to the public. Says he, "We were in Mumbai last week to shoot for the Pepsi MTV My- Can. So, I guess they help spread awareness by putting us up on the Pepsi cans, which will be released shortly. Besides that, and interviews on MTV will be aired on Decemeber 26. It's truly just an acknowledgement of your work reaching others. And that in itself is God sent." Does this now put any particular kind of responsibility on the rapper who believes in doing his bit for society through his music<http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Blazing+a+trail&artid=xU4eCZln%7CGE=&SectionID=fxm0uEWnVpc=&MainSectionID=fxm0uEWnVpc=&SEO=Blaaze&SectionName=RtFD/%7CpZbbWSsbI0jf3F5Q==#>? Blaaze agrees that it has certainly given him lots to think about. "It makes me feel like I'm on the right path when songs pertaining to real issues are made, as they do reach the people, and the people who voted to appreciate it all." An award all the more special, since it's for the people, by the people indeed. *[email protected]* ** http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Blazing+a+trail&artid=xU4eCZln%7CGE=&SectionID=fxm0uEWnVpc=&MainSectionID=fxm0uEWnVpc=&SEO=Blaaze&SectionName=RtFD/%7CpZbbWSsbI0jf3F5Q == -- regards, Vithur
