Is she the voice of a generation or simply a self-styled media product? Shirin David, the rapper and influencer from Hamburg who turned 30 on April 11, continues to divide opinion. Her meteoric rise to fame, chart-topping albums and vast online following make her one of Germany’s most successful pop figures. But her carefully curated image also fuels feminist debates and cultural commentary. Freelance journalist and columnist Laura Ewert, known for her work in publications such as Die Zeit, Spiegel, and der Freitag, discusses the Shirin David phenomenon in a recent interview.

An Ageless Pop Star at 30

Turning 30 is often seen as a milestone—but what does it signify for an artist who has long positioned herself as a spokesperson for the younger generation?

“Thirty isn’t old at all—not even the middle of life, really,” says Ewert. “But in Shirin David’s case, she appears almost ageless. That’s typical for her kind of media persona. Does she have a body that visibly ages? A face that reflects time? I don’t think so. She’s part of a new breed of stars who seem to transcend conventional age markers.”

A Masterclass in Image-Making

So, how much of Shirin David’s success stems from her talent, and how much from meticulously engineered self-presentation? Is there genuine substance beneath the surface?

Ewert is clear: “She is a brilliantly executed product, and that in itself deserves recognition. There’s an enormous amount of work behind it.” Despite limited insight into her private life—plans for a documentary were recently postponed following reported disagreements with the production team—some facts are known. David was born in Lithuania and raised in Hamburg, where she took part in ballet and opera as a child. Her early exposure to the stage suggests an ambition or vision for a future in the spotlight.

“She’s not a musician in the traditional sense,” Ewert continues, “but a multimedia entrepreneur. That fits our times perfectly.”

A Classically Trained Performer in a Modern Package

David’s background in classical music sets her apart. She studied piano, oboe, and violin, and has expressed admiration for Johann Strauss’s operetta Die Fledermaus.

“She mentioned that on Wetten, dass..? and even distinguished between opera and operetta—which is impressive,” says Ewert. “I wouldn’t deny that she can sing or dance. But today, stardom is about more than just music. She began as a YouTuber and influencer, then added music, moved into television, and built her own brand with tea, perfumes, and now cosmetics—launched strategically on her birthday.”

Her approach reflects the evolution of celebrity culture, one that mirrors global icons like Kim Kardashian. “She didn’t invent this formula,” Ewert adds, “but she’s perfected it in her own way.”

The Beauty Debate: Authenticity or Unrealistic Ideals?

David is also famously open about undergoing cosmetic procedures. But is her transparency empowering—or does it reinforce problematic beauty standards?

Opinions are mixed. “She didn’t pioneer this trend either—it’s part of her crafted persona. Her influences include Iggy Azalea, Cardi B, and of course, Kim Kardashian. They all present a similar aesthetic, which is carefully curated,” Ewert explains.

“Personally, I don’t judge it. But it does raise questions about how far someone can position themselves as a feminist while conforming to such beauty ideals. However, this aligns with a newer feminist mindset—one that values autonomy, financial independence, and the freedom to shape your body as you wish. It’s not about challenging patriarchy with slogans, but about personal agency.”