At the heart of the universe there is music. The call of a bird, the rustle of leaves and the crash of waves all culminate to compose nature’s symphony. But the noise of destruction makes Mother Earth’s songs difficult to hear. So how do you get people to listen? Sarah Farrell’s solution is to sing.
The environmentalist knew she had to rethink her methods of social activism if she was to play any part in the world’s recovery. Frustrated with slow progress in South Africa, she picked up her ukulele and began to strum a new tune for the future. “We need to talk about climate justice in ways that are more accessible,” Farrell says. “Music is a great way of doing that.” Marrying harmonies of hope with lyrics of reform, she takes people on an emotional journey as they feel her melodies rather than just hear them.
“Music helps me process my own ecological grief and communicate change,” Farrell says. From rampant consumerism to the extinction of species, her songs highlight pressing issues around the globe while providing sustainable solutions and cathartic release. Farrell’s melodic approach has become an integral driving force in South Africa’s environmental movement. In 2019, she led three climate strikes in Cape Town and wrote songs for multiple green campaigns in an effort to engender transformation.
Through her soulful sonnets, Farrell unites people from all walks of life to add their voices to the chorus demanding action. “Go to protests, call on the government,” she says. “Focus on how we can change the system.”
