Why Aarifah 'Now Knows' What Her Journey's Been Like

The Mumbai-bred artist has released her debut single, which has been in her locker for over five years

- DAVID BRITTO

If you’ve been following the independent music scene in India for the past decade, the name Aarifah Rebello would be hard to escape. The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist – who goes by her first name – has been part of bands such as Ladies Compartment, Lawntuba, Nookie Jar and Toycatcher, performed extensively as a solo artist at clubs and festivals, and was even part of the nationwide talent hunt, NEXA Music’s Top 24, in 2019.

However, the Mumbai-bred artist says, “I didn’t get into music thinking that I’d become a musician.” She adds, “I saw Gino Banks play the drums, got inspired, curious and just accidentally found myself opportunities in music. My intention was to get out of my comfort zone, from being a shy, quiet person to confidently owning my awkwardness, and so I was just flowing from one experience to the next.”