‘We’re not trying to Islamicize hip-hop,’ say UK Muslim rap duo

Two British Muslim women rappers say that they smashing the stereotype that women in Islam are oppressed – one rhyme at a time.

In a new ad campaign by a subsidiary of a UK smartphone retailer, hip-hop duo Muneera Rashida and Sukina Abdul Noor - together known as Poetic Pilgrimage - are filmed in a short clip discussing their image as Muslim hip-hop artists.

“The typical messages that come out about Muslim women being oppressed, if someone was to look at me, if someone was to hear our music - that would be dispelled” the rappers, say in the video.

The thirty-something pair, who paired up after meeting at a talent show for young black people, say hip-hop encourages them to express themselves.

Both Rashida and Noor, who wear the hijab in their music videos, rap about social and political rights.

The duo say they are using their music to promote their message of peace, unity and freedom.

"Muslim women are often presented through a victim narrative, but we are empowered,” Rashida told the Evening Standard.

Noor explained that Islam does not factor into their music, but stated that their faith is a large part of who they are.

"We’re not trying to Islamicize hip hop, we're not necessarily trying to make a Muslim point of view in the music,” she said.

The video that the pair appear in was part of a marketing campaign, which features a series of documentary-styled films that celebrate individuals and champions under the tagline ‘Do Your Own Thing.’