Divine (Rapper) Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Real Name: Vivian Fernandes

Nickname: Divine

Profession: Singer/Rapper (Hip-Hop/Rap)

Famous For: Being portrayed by Ranveer Singh in the film ‘Gully Boy’ (2019)

Date of Birth: 2 October 1990

Age (as in 2018): 28 Years

Birthplace: Andheri, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Zodiac sign/Sun sign: Libra

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Religion: Christianity

Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian

Check Out Other Celebrities Biography

EDUCATION

School: St. John the Evangelist High School, Marol Andheri, Mumbai

College/University: R.D. National College, Mumbai

Educational Qualification: Graduate

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (approx.): in centimeters – 168 cm in meters – 1.68 m in feet inches – 5’ 6”

Weight (approx.): in kilograms – 60 kg in pounds – 132 lbs

Body Measurements (approx.): – Chest: 40 inches – Waist: 30 inches – Biceps: 14 inches

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Hair Colour: Black

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Marital Status: Unmarried

Affairs/Girlfriends: Not Known

Wife/Spouse: N/A

Parents: Father – Name Not Known Mother – Name Not Known (Works in Qatar)

Siblings: Brother – Anthony Fernandes (Elder, Works in Qatar) Sister – None

Favourite Song(s): • “Changes” by Tu Pac • “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Debut: Singles: “Yeh Mera Bombay” (2013) Bollywood Singer: “Paintra” in the film ‘Mukkabaaz’ (2017)

Awards, Achievements: 2014 – His song “Yeh Mera Bombay” received the best video of the year award by Rolling Stone India 2016 – A special mention in BBC Asian Network’s list of ‘Top 10 artists to watch out for’ 2018 – Outlook Social Media Award – Musician Of The Year

MONEY FACTOR

Car Collection: Mahindra Thar CRDe

OTHER INFORMATION

Address: He lives in the chawl area of J. B. Nagar in Andheri, Mumbai

Hobbies: Travelling, Gymming

Tattoo(s): Right-Forearm – A house and a tree Right Chest – Wings of a bird

Favourite Food: Dal-Rice

Favourite Colour: White

Favourite Singer/Rapper(s): Michael Jackson , Eminem , 50 Cent, Bob Marley, Jay-Z, Lecrae, TuPac, Nas, Stormzy, Chance The Rapper

Favourite Album(s): • Illmatic by Nas • Me Against the World by Tupac • Straight Outta Compton by NWA

Favourite Hi-Hop Producer(s): Dr Dre, DJ Premier, Pharrell Williams

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Divine, born Vivian Fernandes, grew up in the bustling yet challenging environment of J.B. Nagar in Andheri, Mumbai, within the confines of a lower-middle-class orthodox Christian family. His childhood was marked by hardship, as he was raised in a broken household. With an abusive father who abandoned the family, Divine’s mother sought a better life in Qatar, leaving him and his elder brother in the care of their grandmother. At just 14, he found himself leading a solitary existence, further compounded by his brother’s decision to join their mother overseas for work. This tumultuous backdrop would later deeply influence his artistry and the themes of resilience that permeate his music.

During his school days, Divine discovered solace and a sense of identity through rap music. He began penning his own verses while still in the 11th grade, dedicating over five hours a day to perfect his craft. It was during these formative years that he would accompany his mother to a church in Marol, where the serene environment allowed him to practice his rap with a sense of divinity and peace. It was here that he adopted the stage name “Divine,” a name that resonated with his aspirations. While initially rapping in English, he soon recognized the power of his native tongue, Hindi, and embraced it as his primary mode of expression.

As he transitioned into college, Divine joined a hip-hop group called ‘Mumbai’s Finest,’ where he honed his skills under the mentorship of a rapper known as Ace. This experience was pivotal in shaping his future as an artist. After graduating, Divine’s mother presented him with a computer and a microphone, tools that would prove essential in his music journey. He recorded his inaugural song, “Coming For You,” using a humble Nokia N8 phone, marking the beginning of his career in the music industry.

Divine’s early tracks, including the immensely popular “Yeh Mera Bombay” released in 2013, quickly garnered a dedicated following among Mumbaikars. His autobiographical rap “Jungli Sher,” recorded at over 40 locations across Mumbai, further solidified his standing in the local music scene. However, it was in 2015 that Divine experienced a breakthrough by collaborating with fellow rapper Naved Shaikh, better known as Naezy. Their track “Mere Gully Mein” not only soared in popularity but also became synonymous with the essence of Mumbai’s rap culture, earning the title of the “Mumbai rap anthem.” This success led to a contract with Sony Music India, cementing Divine’s status as the first Indian artist to have a single released globally on Apple Music.

Beyond his musical achievements, Divine’s journey has been marked by significant recognition and personal milestones. He became the first Indian rapper to perform in Hindi for the BBC 1 radio show ‘Fire in the Booth’ and founded the Mumbai-based crew Gully Gang, which plays a vital role in nurturing local talent. His passion for music is accompanied by a love for animals, particularly his pit bull, Grumpee. In a heartwarming gesture, Anand Mahindra, the chairman of the Mahindra Group, gifted Divine a ‘Mahindra Thar CRDe’ in 2018, acknowledging his rising stardom. His influence reached new heights when filmmaker Zoya Akhtar attended one of his concerts and was inspired to create the biographical musical film ‘Gully Boy,’ a tribute to the lives of street rappers, capturing the essence of Divine’s journey and that of his fellow artists. Despite his diverse musical accomplishments, he admits a personal aversion to beatboxing, showcasing that even icons have their preferences in an ever-evolving musical landscape.

Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.

Leave a Comment