Pakistani Musicians Harness Folk and Rap to Combat Climate Change

Villagers in Umerkot, Pakistan, are turning to music as a powerful tool to raise awareness about climate change. Local folk musician Sham Bhai captivates audiences with songs that highlight the impact of climate-related disasters, drawing from her own experiences in Sindh, the province hardest hit by flooding in recent years.

Her poignant lyrics resonate with the community, as she sings about their struggles: “We are the people of the south. The winds seem to be blowing from the north…” While performing in her native Sindhi, Sham addresses the challenges faced by those living in vulnerable conditions, especially women and children who bear the brunt of adverse weather events.

Three years ago, catastrophic floods devastated Sindh, leading to over 1,000 rain-related deaths in a matter of months. The aftermath remains stark, with many roads and homes still in disrepair. Sham has traveled to over a dozen villages since then, using her voice to teach communities about climate adaptation and resilience—an essential message in areas where literacy rates are low and access to information is limited.

Ghulam Mustafa Mahar, a local farmer, explains how changing weather patterns have forced him to adapt. “The monsoon season used to come on time, but now it starts late,” he notes, emphasizing the unpredictability that has reshaped their agricultural practices. Farmers have shifted their focus from summer crops to winter ones, seeking stability amidst the turmoil.

In this context, Sham’s music becomes a vital medium for communication. “When we give a message through song, it is easy to communicate to people because they understand it,” she explains. Her performances often begin with popular tunes to draw in audiences before transitioning to more serious themes that address the realities of climate change.

The plight of women and girls in these communities is particularly pronounced. With traditional gender roles limiting their opportunities, they often take on the bulk of domestic responsibilities, including gathering food and water. During extreme weather events, they face heightened risks, as one villager recounted the tragedy of a home collapsing during a storm, claiming lives, including those of children.

In addition to Sham’s folk songs, Urooj Fatima, an activist from Jhuddo, has taken a different approach to raise climate awareness. Known by her stage name Sindhi Chhokri, she uses rap music to engage broader audiences. Following the floods that affected her village in both 2022 and 2024, she recognized the power of hip-hop as a medium for social change.

“We can engage a lot of audiences through rap,” she states, explaining how the genre allows her to reach thousands. Urooj has penned songs addressing the plight of those affected by climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention. In one of her performances, she challenges local authorities, rapping, “Where was the Balochistan government when the floods came? My pen thirsts for justice.”

Despite facing backlash, Urooj remains committed to her mission. She and her sister, Khanzadi, actively campaign in their communities, promoting tree planting and climate education. Urooj highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, who often face additional challenges related to education, hygiene, and nutrition during disasters.

The combined efforts of artists like Sham and Urooj illustrate the vital role music plays in shaping awareness and action against climate change in Pakistan. Their messages resonate with communities struggling to adapt, providing hope and prompting proactive measures. As these musicians continue to share their powerful narratives through song, they foster resilience and inspire change in a region facing ongoing environmental challenges.

As Urooj succinctly puts it, “We will not let our voices be suppressed. We will always raise our voices high.”