Vivian Wilson Fernandes, popularly known by his stage name Divine, is a trailblazing Indian rapper, lyricist, and hip-hop artist who brought the underground rap scene into the mainstream spotlight. Born and raised in the slums of Mumbai, Divine’s gritty storytelling, raw lyrical prowess, and street-hardened authenticity have turned him into one of India’s most influential music artists. He rose to prominence with the breakout single “Mere Gully Mein” in 2015, alongside fellow rapper Naezy, which painted a vivid picture of gully life and kickstarted India’s gully rap movement. The song later inspired the critically acclaimed Bollywood film Gully Boy (2019), where Ranveer Singh played a character loosely based on Divine’s life.
Divine’s music transcends traditional Bollywood boundaries, focusing on socio-political realities, personal struggles, and the voice of the underrepresented. He became the first Indian rapper to be featured on a Spotify Times Square Billboard in New York and the first Indian artist to be signed by Mass Appeal India, a label founded in partnership with Nas, a global hip-hop icon. His debut album “Kohinoor” (2019) and its follow-up “Punya Paap” (2020) have been game-changers, cementing his status as a pioneer of Desi hip-hop. Known for his iconic baritone and unwavering street connect, Divine represents a movement—one that has shifted the cultural narrative around Indian rap forever.
Personal Life
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Vivian Wilson Fernandes |
| Other/Nickname | Divine |
| Profession/Occupation | Rapper, Lyricist, Music Producer |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Age | 34 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | 2 October 1991 |
| Hometown | Andheri, Mumbai |
| Caste/Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Libra |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 170 cm (5’7”) |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 70 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not Publicly Known |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not Publicly Known |
| Mother’s name | Not Publicly Known |
| Brother’s name | One elder brother (name not known) |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status Affairs Boyfriends Kids & Relationship
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Girlfriend | Not Publicly Known |
| Dating | Not Publicly Known |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Wife | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| School | St. John The Evangelist High School, Marol |
| College/ University | R.D. National College, Mumbai |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate (specific field not known) |
Controversies
Divine has generally stayed clear of major controversies but has had minor run-ins typical of artists in a rapidly evolving hip-hop scene:
- A publicized fallout with fellow rapper Naezy after the success of “Mere Gully Mein” led to fan speculation about internal rivalries, though both artists have spoken positively about each other since.
- There has been criticism around the glamorization of gully life in commercial music, but Divine has often defended his storytelling as authentic and grounded in real experience.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Home-cooked Goan food, Biryani |
| Favorite Movie | City of God |
| Favorite Actor | Ranveer Singh |
| Favorite Actress | Not Publicly Known |
| Favorite Color | Black |
| Favorite Designer | Not Publicly Known |
| Favorite Destination | New York, Goa |
| Favorite Cafe | Not Publicly Known |
| Favorite Daily Wear Brand | Puma, Nike |
| Favorite Book | Decoded by Jay-Z |
| Favorite Athlete | Cristiano Ronaldo |
Money/Net Worth
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Varies per concert/project |
| Net Worth | Estimated ₹20-25 crore (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | www.gullygangent.com |
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Available |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Available |
| House Address | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Social Media
| Platform | Link/Username |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Divine (rapper) |
| @VivianDivine | |
| facebook.com/VivianDivine | |
| @vivianakadivine |
Personal quote:
“I don’t want to be the king of the streets, I want to be the king of music.”
Early Life and Career
Divine was born and raised in the rough neighborhoods of Andheri East, Mumbai, by a single mother in a Roman Catholic household. His early life was deeply influenced by gospel music from church and the realities of growing up in a low-income community. It wasn’t until he was introduced to 50 Cent and Eminem through his brother’s music collection that he discovered hip-hop—and everything changed.
Divine started off writing lyrics in English before transitioning to Hindi and Bambaiya slang to better connect with his surroundings. He gained underground attention with his early songs like “Yeh Mera Bombay,” which captured the spirit and chaos of Mumbai’s street life. But it was 2015’s “Mere Gully Mein,” co-created with Naezy, that launched him into the spotlight. The song went viral, creating a new identity for Mumbai hip-hop.
In 2019, Divine dropped his debut album Kohinoor, under Nas’ label Mass Appeal India, blending hard-hitting rap with Indian beats and bilingual bars. His second album Punya Paap further expanded his fanbase with hits like “Mirchi” and “Satya.” Today, Divine isn’t just a rapper—he’s a mogul, running Gully Gang Entertainment, nurturing new Indian rap talents and leading the cultural shift in Desi hip-hop.
Current life/Events:
As of 2025, Divine continues to redefine Indian hip-hop. His recent global collaborations with artists like Russ and Karan Aujla, along with performances at major international festivals, have established him as a global ambassador for Indian rap. He is reportedly working on his third studio album, expected to drop later this year, featuring a blend of Afrobeat, drill, and traditional Indian influences.
He’s also making waves in the fashion world, having recently launched a streetwear line in collaboration with Puma. Simultaneously, Divine remains active in mentoring emerging rappers through Gully Gang Records, expanding the legacy he began in the streets of Mumbai.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Divine
- Divine used to record his first raps using a borrowed mic and free software at a cyber café.
- His stage name “Divine” was inspired by his deep faith and spiritual upbringing in a Christian home.
- He rapped entirely in English during his early years before switching to Hindi to reach a wider audience.
- He was the first Indian artist featured on BBC Radio 1’s “Fire in the Booth.”
- His lyrics often include actual phrases and slang used in Mumbai’s gullies.
- Divine’s success inspired the creation of Gully Boy (2019), where Ranveer Singh portrayed a character inspired by his life.
- He once said he used to pray for a ceiling fan and clean toilet—now he performs on global stages.
- Despite global fame, he still lives in the same Mumbai neighborhood where he grew up.
- He was never formally trained in music; he taught himself everything through YouTube and raw hustle.
- He is very selective about collaborations, focusing only on artists who understand and respect the culture.
