Voice for justice: Hybrid cultural resistance of hip-hop songs and memes in July mass uprising, Bangladesh
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates how hip-hop songs and memes operated as cultural and political alternative expressions during the July 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh. The student-led movement, initially focused on quota fairness and accountability, evolved into the Chattro-Jonata Obbhothan (Student-People Uprising) after widespread state violence and the killing of over a thousand protesters. Using a qualitative interpretive approach that combines textual and visual analysis, the study examines 10 hip-hop songs and 77 memes from five meme groups shared across Facebook and YouTube. The findings reveal that these cultural forms served as tools of hybrid cultural resistance , merging digital creativity with street activism, and as mechanisms for constructing collective identity and solidarity among protesters. The study argues that hip-hop and memes transformed everyday digital practices into critical political participation, challenging authoritarian control and inspiring civic engagement in protest.
Author: Tareq Hossain
Institution: National University of Singapore
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
Funder: National University of Singapore
OpenAlex ID: W7162080858