Chaii delivers a high-voltage collision of cultures, where the ancient rhythms of the Middle East meet the jagged edges of modern electronic production. Her sound is defined by a relentless forward momentum, often utilizing the driving 6/8 time signatures common in Iranian folk music but recontextualized through heavy trap drums and industrial-leaning synths. It is music that feels both deeply rooted in heritage and aggressively contemporary.
What truly distinguishes Chaii is her technical precision. As a trained audio engineer, she treats her vocals and the surrounding production with a meticulous ear for texture, layering Farsi and English lyrics over beats that snap with crystalline clarity. The use of traditional instruments like the tombak and daf provides an organic, percussive grit that sets her apart from the standard digital palette of global hip-hop.
Start with the 'Lightswitch' EP to hear the foundational blend of her dual identity. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who wants hip-hop that challenges Western rhythmic conventions while maintaining the infectious energy of a club anthem.
Mona Sanei (born 1991 or 1992), better known as Chaii (stylised in all caps; also چای) is a Persian-New Zealand rapper, songwriter and producer. Chaii's music is distinct for its fusion of Persian and Western musical influences. She has released two EPs and one album: Lightswitch EP (2020), Pineapple Pizza (2021), and Safar (2024). Chaii's childhood was split between Iran and New Zealand; she moved with her family to Christchurch at the age of eight. This aspect of her identity has influenced much of her work. She became interested in sound engineering at high school, and later studied the craft at SAE Institute Auckland before becoming an audio engineer by trade. She made her debut as Chaii in 2019 with the single "Digebasse (Enough)", which was nominated for the 2019 APRA Silver Scroll. Several of Chaii's songs have appeared in film, television, games and other media, including the soundtrack for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 and the FIFA 21 Volta soundtrack. Chaii's first full-length album, Safar (2024), received several nominations including for Album of the Year, Best Single, Best Electronic Artist, among others. In May 2025, Chaii began a Europe tour, and stated she was working on new material and collaborations.
Shares digital clarity, maximalist, studio polished (production style); confident, energetic, defiant (moods)
Shares digital clarity, maximalist, studio polished (production style); confident, energetic, defiant (moods)
Shares digital clarity, maximalist, studio polished (production style); rap, deadpan, processed (vocal style)
Shares confident, energetic, playful (moods); urban night, festival, rooftop (atmosphere)
Shares digital clarity, maximalist, studio polished (production style); confident, energetic, defiant (moods)
Shares digital clarity, maximalist, studio polished (production style); rap, chanting, processed (vocal style)
Shares confident, energetic, defiant (moods); digital clarity, studio polished, drum machine (production style)
Shares confident, energetic, defiant (moods); digital clarity, studio polished, drum machine (production style)
Shares digital clarity, maximalist, studio polished (production style); confident, playful, defiant (moods)
Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →