Science
Pakistani Artists Harness Music to Combat Climate Change

In rural Pakistan, musicians are using the power of song to raise awareness about climate change. Folk singer Sham Bhai, hailing from the Sindh province, captivates audiences with her heartfelt lyrics that address the harsh realities brought on by climate-related disasters. Over the past two years, she has toured a dozen villages, teaching communities about climate adaptation through her music, a vital medium in areas where literacy rates are low and access to the internet is limited.
During a recent performance in Umerkot, Bhai’s clear voice resonated as she sang, “We are the people of the south. The winds seem to be blowing from the north.” Her poignant lyrics reflect the struggles faced by her community, particularly after the devastating floods in 2022 that left over 1,000 people dead in Sindh alone. Many homes and livelihoods were destroyed, and the damage remains evident in the form of broken roads and flattened houses.
Sham Bhai communicates complex issues through song, noting, “When we give a message through song, it is easy to communicate to people because they understand it.” She performs in her native Sindhi, which resonates more with local audiences than the national language, Urdu. The lyrics of her songs often highlight the plight of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, who bear the brunt of climate disasters.
Farmers in Sindh are also adapting to the changing weather patterns, which have disrupted traditional agricultural practices. Ghulam Mustafa Mahar, a local farmer, noted the unpredictability of the monsoon season, saying, “The monsoon season used to come on time, but now it starts late.” Many have shifted from growing crops to raising livestock and are focusing on winter farming as weather patterns continue to evolve.
The challenges faced by Sindh are compounded by poverty and illiteracy, with a literacy rate of only 38% in rural areas. Bhai’s music serves as an educational tool, reaching those who might not have access to formal learning about climate change. She highlights that “women and children suffer a lot during bad conditions, which damage their homes,” underscoring the gendered impact of climate-related challenges.
Rapping for Climate Awareness
In addition to folk music, rap is emerging as an effective medium for climate activism. Urooj Fatima, known by her stage name Sindhi Chhokri, is another artist raising her voice against climate change. After witnessing the destruction caused by floods in her village, she began using rap to engage audiences on this pressing issue.
Fatima explained, “We can engage a lot of audiences through rap. If we go to a village and gather a community, there are a maximum of 50. But everyone listens to songs.” Her use of hip-hop, although not widely popular in Pakistan, resonates with the struggles of daily life, making it an effective tool for communication.
Her latest rap addresses the 2022 floods in neighboring Balochistan, the country’s poorest province. In her lyrics, she criticizes government inaction and calls for justice, rapping, “Where was the Balochistan government when the floods came? My pen thirsts for justice.” Fatima’s performances have garnered attention at festivals and across social media, amplifying her message to a wider audience.
Despite facing backlash in her community, Fatima remains committed to her advocacy. She and her sister, Khanzadi, actively campaign for climate awareness, planting thousands of trees and visiting villages to educate residents about environmental issues. “This happens every year,” she stated, referring to the ongoing floods. “Climate change affects a person’s whole life. Their whole life becomes a disaster.”
She emphasizes the specific challenges that women and girls face in these circumstances, citing issues related to displacement, education, hygiene, and nutrition that are exacerbated by entrenched gender discrimination.
Through the combined efforts of artists like Sham Bhai and Urooj Fatima, music is becoming a powerful vehicle for climate awareness in Pakistan. They are not only informing their communities but also inspiring action, urging individuals to adapt to the changing environment. As these artists continue to perform and spread their message, they hope to foster resilience among the most vulnerable populations affected by climate change.
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