Vivian Fernandes, better known by his stage name Divine, is a celebrated Indian rapper, songwriter, and music producer from Mumbai, Maharashtra. Born on October 2, 1990, Divine rose to fame with his track “Mere Gully Mein”, which became an anthem for the underprivileged neighborhoods of Mumbai. Known for his gritty storytelling and raw lyrics, he is considered a pioneer of the Gully Rap movement in India.
This article delves into Divine’s journey, his struggles, career milestones, personal life, and fascinating facts that shaped his rise to fame.
Divine Short Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vivian Wilson Fernandes |
| Stage Name | Divine |
| Profession | Rapper, Lyricist, Music Producer |
| Birthplace | Andheri, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Hometown | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Date of Birth | October 2, 1990 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 34 years |
| Height | 5’6” (168 cm) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Genres | Hip-Hop, Rap |
| Labels | Gully Gang, Sony Music India |
| Net Worth | ₹1.2 crore INR |
Early Life and Education
Divine was born into a lower-middle-class Christian family in Andheri, Mumbai, and raised in the chawls of J.B. Nagar. His upbringing was challenging, marked by his father’s abandonment and his mother’s move to Qatar to support the family. Raised primarily by his grandmother, Divine discovered music early in life.
He completed his schooling at St. John the Evangelist High School in Marol, Mumbai, and later enrolled at R.D. National College. However, due to financial constraints and his passion for music, he could not complete his education.
Family and Personal Life
Divine’s family dynamics played a significant role in shaping his music. His mother worked abroad for years, and his elder brother, Anthony Fernandes, also moved to Qatar to support the family. Divine’s personal experiences of solitude and resilience are deeply embedded in his lyrics.
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Father | Abandoned the family |
| Mother | Worked in Qatar |
| Brother | Anthony Fernandes |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Relationships | Not publicly known |
Career Journey
Beginnings in Music
Divine’s journey into music began with a gift from his mother: a computer and a microphone. Initially, he wrote rap songs in English but later switched to Hindi to connect with a broader audience. His first major breakthrough came in 2013 with the release of “Yeh Mera Bombay”, a heartfelt ode to Mumbai.
Rise to Fame
In 2015, Divine teamed up with rapper Naezy to release “Mere Gully Mein”, which became an instant hit and catapulted him to national fame. The song highlighted the struggles of Mumbai’s street life and established Divine as a voice for the underprivileged.
Major Collaborations
- In 2016, he collaborated with Nucleya on the hit track “Jungle Raja”.
- Divine’s music featured prominently in Bollywood with tracks like “Paintra” from Mukkabaaz and “Apna Time Aayega” from Gully Boy.
- He founded the hip-hop collective Gully Gang, fostering a platform for upcoming artists.
Albums and Key Songs
Divine released three major albums:
- Kohinoor (2019): Featuring hits like “Gandhi Money” and “Chal Bombay”.
- Punya Paap (2020): Tracks like “Mirchi” and “Disco Rap” gained massive traction.
- Gunehgar (2022): Songs like “Baazigar” and “Street Lori” showcased his evolution as an artist.
Best Songs by Divine
- Mere Gully Mein (2015)
- Kaam 25 (2018)
- Gandhi Money (2019)
- Apna Time Aayega (2019)
- Mirchi (2020)
- City Slums feat. Raja Kumari (2017)
- Baazigar feat. Armani White (2022)
Net Worth and Income
Divine earns through album sales, live performances, brand endorsements, and his music label.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | ₹1.2 crore INR |
| Monthly Income | ₹6–8 lakh |
| Income Sources | Music, live shows, endorsements |
Awards and Recognition
- 2013: Best Video of the Year (Yeh Mera Bombay) by Rolling Stone India.
- 2018: Outlook Social Media Awards – Musician of the Year.
- 2019: Best Lyrics (Apna Time Aayega) at the Filmfare Awards.
- 2020: Best Lyrics (Apna Time Aayega) shared with Ankur Tiwari.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Divine’s stage name was inspired by the peace he felt while practicing music in church.
- He wrote his first song, “Coming for You”, on a Nokia N8 phone.
- He was the first Indian rapper to perform in Hindi for BBC’s Fire in the Booth.
- His early influences include 50 Cent, Eminem, and Tupac Shakur.
- Zoya Akhtar’s Bollywood film Gully Boy is inspired by his life.
FAQs
- Q: What is Divine’s real name?
A: His real name is Vivian Wilson Fernandes. - Q: Which was Divine’s breakout song?
A: “Mere Gully Mein” in 2015. - Q: What is Divine’s music label?
A: Gully Gang. - Q: Is Divine married?
A: No, Divine is currently unmarried.
Conclusion
Divine’s journey from the chawls of Mumbai to becoming the face of Indian hip-hop is nothing short of inspiring. Through his raw and relatable lyrics, he has given a voice to the voiceless and revolutionized the Indian rap scene. Divine continues to influence and elevate hip-hop culture in India, making him a true icon of his generation.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
