Yadav Sarkar, popularly known as DK Yadav, is a rising Nepali rapper from Janakpur whose voice is rapidly reshaping the musical landscape of the region. As a pioneer of Maithili rap, he blends Maithili, Nepali and Hindi lyrics with seamless ease and a sense of purpose. His hit song ‘Jan Chetna’ has already positioned him as a multilayered storyteller who is socially aware, musically bold and proud of his roots. WOW sat down with DK to learn more about his life, his musical identity, and the future he envisions for himself and fellow artists.
Born and raised in Baniniya, a village in Dhanusa, DK Yadav’s connection to music began informally. As a child, he sang here and there, but he never imagined becoming a rapper. It was not until college that the possibility emerged. The film Gully Boy, which portrayed the life of Indian rapper Divine, sparked something powerful in him. “It showed me the life of the rapper Divine, which sparked an interest in becoming a rapper myself and doing the art they do,” DK says. What began as curiosity soon transformed into a serious ambition.
His first step into the world of rap came with his song ‘Gareebi Jiwan’. Recorded only in audio, the track was a heartfelt reflection of the struggles he saw and experienced. Despite its simplicity, listeners embraced it. Their encouragement planted the confidence he needed to continue. Coming from a middle-class family, however, the path forward was far from effortless. “My family always supported me, but financially, I had to struggle,” he says. The lack of resources delayed his progress. Only after securing a job and saving some money was he able to invest in his passion.
His breakthrough hit ‘Jan Chetna’ produced by Birendra Keshari, also known as MadhesiBeats, marked the turning point in his musical career. The track has crossed thirteen million views, climbed charts overseas, and even caught the attention of Yo Yo Honey Singh which is a milestone DK describes with pride and gratitude.
The song’s journey is rooted in the feedback he received online. “I used to record videos on my mobile and upload them on TikTok. People commented that I should make music in Hindi and Nepali,” he recalls. Taking that feedback seriously, he recorded the vocals for ‘Jan Chetna’ and sent them to MadhesiBeats. The producer instantly recognised the track’s potential and elevated it with his musical expertise.
Beyond the numbers, ‘Jan Chetna’ carries a message DK resonates with deeply: focus on your work and do not compare yourself to others. His favourite lines from the song that captured the attention of his listeners go like this: “Ekta Me Bal Maane Pure Sansar, Ek Katha Me To Akela Nahi Pyar, Sukh Me Hi, Sab Dukh Me Koi Nahi Aadhar, Biswas Ke Aadhar Par Hi Tikal Sansar”.
Representing Maithili and Madhesh on a global stage, DK believes that music should connect. He hopes to redefine what rap means in society as it often still carries a negative connotation. Looking ahead, DK wants to see an industry that prioritises meaningful artistry over fleeting trends.
“The youth today enjoy content that often lacks depth,” he observes. He believes the industry’s chase for quick money and market appeal fuels this, but he hopes the tide will shift. For DK Yadav, the future of rap and the future of Madhesh’s musical identity lie in authenticity, respect and a commitment to creating music that lasts.
Text: Kreenjala Pyakurel
