Emiway Bantai
Bilal Shaikh (born 13 November 1995), known professionally as Emiway Bantai, is an Indian rapper from Mumbai, Maharashtra. The name Emiway combines “Emi” from Eminem and “Way” from Lil Wayne, while Bantai is Mumbai street-slang meaning “brother” or “dude”.[3][4]
He is a prominent figure in the Desi hip-hop community, creating songs in Hindi, English, and Marathi. Emiway gained prominence with his 2014 debut single “Aur Bantai” and was featured in the 2019 Bollywood film Gully Boy as himself, contributing to the soundtrack’s “Asli Hip Hop“.[5][6][7]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Gully Boy | Himself (Cameo) | Featured rapper in “Asli Hip Hop” Soundtrack contribution | [8][9] |
Tv Series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Red Bull Spotlight | Judge | Finale episode, MX Player series[10][11][12] |
Early life
Shaikh was born on 13 November 1995 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and later moved to Mumbai, Maharashtra. He developed an interest in hip-hop music inspired by American rapper Eminem and began writing rhymes during his school years, dropping out after the 11th standard to pursue music full-time.[13][14][15][16]
Career
Breakthrough (2013–2017)
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Emiway released his first track “Glint Lock” in 2013 on YouTube, followed by “Aur Bantai” in 2014, which marked his breakthrough in the Indian hip-hop scene.[17][18][19]
The track’s success established him within Mumbai’s underground rap community. In 2017, he collaborated with rapper Raftaar on “#Sadak”, which increased his visibility.[20]
Emiway won the Radio City Freedom Awards for Best Urban Act in 2017 and 2019, becoming the only artist to win this award in three consecutive years.[21]
As of 2026, Emiway’s YouTube channel had over 21.9 million subscribers.[22] He remains unsigned to major labels, distributing music independently through YouTube and streaming platforms.[23]
In February 2026, Emiway Bantai and Swaalina released the single “Kudi”, which received 3.2 million YouTube views.[24][25]
Artistry
Emiway’s music incorporates Hindi, Mumbaiya slang, and English lyrics, and commonly addresses themes related to street life, personal experiences, and rivalry within the desi hip-hop scene.[26] He is noted for his rapid delivery, self-produced instrumentals, and stage performances, which have been described as characteristic of his style.[27][28]
His songs often employ straightforward rhyme patterns combined with high-energy delivery, contributing to a style that has been associated with urban youth culture.[29][30]
Personal life
Emiway married Swaalina (Halina Kuchey) in January 2025.[31] [32]He enjoys playing football and follows a non-vegetarian diet.[33][34]
In 2023, Emiway reportedly received death threats through social media following the release of certain diss tracks and public controversies within the Indian hip-hop scene. According to his statements, the threats were considered serious and led him to approach local authorities for security. The incident drew attention on social media and among fans, raising concerns about artist safety and online harassment. Emiway later stated that he was safe and continued working on his music despite the situation.[35]
On 25 May 2025, Emiway Bantai received a death threat and extortion demand of ₹1 crore via WhatsApp on his company Bantai Records’ Official number. The message, purportedly from gangster Goldy Brar, stated: “I am gangster Goldy Brar. Your singer has 24 hours. I want rupees 1 crore or else I will kill him.”[36]
The threat came one day after Bantai released “Tribute to Sidhu Moosewala” on 24 May 2025, marking three years since the Punjabi singer’s murder. The message also referenced Rohit Godara, an associate of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.[37]
An employee of Bantai Records filed a police complaint on 27 May 2025 at NRI Coastal police station, resulting in an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for extortion and criminal intimidation.[38]
Navi Mumbai Police arrested 19-year-old Arulv Rameshkumar Alohi, a BCom student from Assam, on 4 June 2025. The suspect was traced through digital footprints and admitted to sending similar threats to other artists to gain money and notoriety.[39]
Discography
Albums
- 2021: Malum Hai Na[40]
- 2022: 8 Saal[41]
- 2023: King of the Streets[42]
- 2024: Wholeheartedly[43]
- 2025: FTSTTS
| Year | Album | Tracks | Artist(s) | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Malum Hai Na | Malum Hai Na (Intro), Momma, Chalte Firte, Freeverse Feast 2, My Time, Machayenge 3, Always on Top, Hai Tu Kaun, Kyu Jane De, Gum Ko Vata, Jawab De, Bantai Ki Public, Aisa Kuch Shot Nahi Hai (Remix), Believe | Emiway Bantai, Swaalina | Jaykll, Meme Machine, Flamboy, Tony James, Ryini Beats, AAKASH, Young Taylor |
| 2022 | 8 Saal | Mera (Intro), Mera, 8 Saal, Kaha Par Hu, Pain, Focus, Haq Hai, Life Is Good, CHOCO | Emiway Bantai | Pendo46, Lexnour, Refix, Abyss Prod, Emiway Bantai, Memax, Cheap Thrillz |
| 2023 | King of the Streets | KOTS – Prelude, King of the Streets (Intro), Chhod Dala, Jhakas, Meherbani, Company, Beta Karta Rap, Kya Din The Woh, Roots, Scene Change, Rule No. 123, Waqt Ke Saath – Interlude, Survive, KOTS – Freestyle, Kya Bolti Public, Classy Chapri, King of Indian Hip Hop | Emiway Bantai, VBreak, Young Galib | Pendo46, Lexnour, JustDan Beats, Logan Jessy, Liogans, Zero Beats, Sinato Beats, Xistence, Robert Tar, Citron Beats, Memax, Enigma Beats, 9Thagod, Bxl Grapes, NOBUDDY, Kylo Beats, MYK Beats, Gore Ocean, Babz Beats |
| 2024 | Wholeheartedly | Aksar – Unplugged, Bolna Tu Bantai, Tu Tera Dekh, Aksar, Fake Ones, 4U Remix, Boht Kuch, Theekh Hu Mei, Rollercoaster | Emiway Bantai, The Rish, Shez, Flowbo, Maanu, Young Galib, Hellac | The Rish, Emiway Bantai, Avanto, Hippy Jack, Aakash, Memax, Maanu |
| 2025 | FTSTTS | Dubai Company, Aflatoon, Hawa, Mei Hu, Mat Kar Lala, Lightspeed, Mera Naam Hai, Samandar, Woh Banaya, Sorat, Log Kya Kahenge, Those Dayz, FTSTTS Freeverse | Emiway Bantai, Naezy | Tony James, Memax, Emiway Bantai, Keman Beats |
Extended Playlists (EPs)
- 2017: MEIN
- 2019: No Brands[44]
- 2020: Dhundke Dikha
- 2022: Monsoon
- 2024: sPEAK
- 2024: Northern Nights
- 2025: Bajis[45]
| Year | EP | Tracks | Artist(s) | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | MEIN | Asli Nakli, ABBU, Jhand Hai, MEIN | Emiway Bantai | Emiway Bantai |
| 2019 | No Brands | Checkmate, Zaruratich Nahi Hai, Sab Kuch New, No Brands. | Emiway Bantai | Flamboy |
| 2020 | Dhundke Dikha | Billal (Intro), Dhundke Dikha, Miss Tujhe, Grind, Bantai, Feel (Outro). | Emiway Bantai | Robert Tar, Hippy Jack, Flamboy, Bass Mutant, Ryini Beats. |
| 2022 | Monsoon | Busy, Bhool Ja, Kuch Aur, Changed, Yakeen. | Emiway Bantai, Young Galib, Memax, Ben Z, Vaksh. | Harsh Sohi, Memax, PALE 1080, Nishit Basumatary. |
| 2024 | sPEAK | The End, EVIL = EVIL, Gani Bhai, Elevate. | Emiway Bantai | Abyss, Memax, Emiway Bantai. |
| 2024 | Northern Nights | Duniya Naraz, Nazare, Misunderstood, Mera Na Hua, Maaf Karo, Safar, Revontulet. | Emiway Bantai | Memax, Emiway Bantai, Backyard. |
| 2025 | BAJIS | Badshah, Josh Mei, Tribute to Siddhu Moosewala, Paisa Paisa, Kaali Kaali Aankhein. | Emiway Bantai, Young Galib, Swaalina. | Tony James, Memax. |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Radio City Freedom Awards | Best Hip-Hop Artist (People’s Choice) | Won | “Emiway Bantai on his journey and Gully Boy”. Radio City India. 2019-02-07. Retrieved 19 February 2026.India, Rolling Stone (2019-03-29). “Radio City Freedom Awards 2019: The Complete Winners List”. Rolling Stone India. Retrieved 2026-02-20. |
| 2019 | Radio City Freedom Awards | Best Hip-Hop Artist (People’s Choice) | Won | “Radio City Freedom Awards 6: Emiway wins again”. Radio City. 2019-03-27. Retrieved 19 February 2026.“Indie stars glitter at Radio City Freedom Awards 6”. Ritz Magazine. 2019-03-27. Retrieved 19 February 2026. |
| 2019 | MTV Europe Music Awards | Best Indian Act | Won | “Mumbai’s Emiway Bantai scores big at Europe Music Awards”. Times of India. 2019-11-04. Retrieved 20 February 2026.“Emiway Bantai wins ‘Best India Act’ category at MTV 2019”. Music Unplugged. 2019-11-04. Retrieved 20 February 2026. |
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