Empowering Change: How Pakistani Musicians Blend Folk Songs and Rap to Combat Climate Change

Villagers quiet down as Sham Bhai, a young folk musician from Sindh, begins to sing about climate change. Her voice carries above the simple homes in the area. “We are the people of the south. The winds feel different now. My heart aches seeing the destroyed houses after the rains,” she sings, sharing her experiences from the province hardest hit by catastrophic floods.

Sham is on a mission. Over the last two years, she has visited numerous villages, using song to teach people about adapting to climate change and building resilience. In regions where literacy is low and internet is scarce, music becomes a powerful tool for conveying important messages.

“When we sing, people understand,” she tells The Associated Press. She performs in Sindhi, the local language, making her message accessible to those around her.

In 2022 alone, Sindh saw over 1,000 rain-related deaths. The devastation is still evident—collapsed roads and homes left in ruins remind everyone of what they lost. The floods submerged much of Sham’s district, Tando Allahyar, forcing residents to rethink their farming methods. Ghulam Mustafa Mahar, a local farmer, explains, “The rainy seasons are no longer predictable. We now focus on winter crops instead of summer ones.” This shift shows how climate change is reshaping livelihoods.

Rural Sindh faces challenges beyond unpredictable weather. With a literacy rate of just 38%, many people lack the basic knowledge about climate change. Sham’s songs deliver critical information in a way that resonates with her audience, blending lively tunes with serious messages about their struggles. “Because of climate change, homes built of mud are weak,” she explains.

Women and children often bear the brunt of these hardships. While men are away working, women manage homes and farms. During extreme weather, they’re frequently at risk. One villager recalls how heavy rains in 2022 led to tragic losses, illustrating the urgent need for community support and action.

In addition to Sham, Urooj Fatima, known as Sindhi Chhokri, is a rising voice for climate awareness through her music. After witnessing the devastation caused by floods, she turned to rap as a means to engage broader audiences. “Rap can reach so many more people,” she noted. She’s addressing climate change, women’s rights, and social justice through her performances.

Statistics highlight the need for immediate action. According to the World Bank, communities in South Asia, including Pakistan, are among the most vulnerable to climate impacts, with livelihoods at risk.

Urooj’s lyrics raise difficult questions about government accountability. “Where was the Balochistan government during the floods?” she raps. Her message resonates, calling for climate justice while fostering discussions about women’s challenges in these crises.

Despite facing backlash, Urooj remains steadfast, believing in the power of her voice to inspire change. “Even if we reach a few people, it’s a success,” she asserts, reinforcing her commitment to raising awareness and advocating for those most affected.

The narrative of Sham and Urooj highlights a crucial aspect of modern climate discussions: the intersection of climate change and gender, especially in rural communities. Understanding these challenges can lead to better support systems and educational initiatives. As awareness grows, the hope is that proactive measures will help communities adapt to an increasingly unpredictable future.



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