WA: CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR MUSICAL BACKGROUND?
SHEETAL VARMA: My name is Sheetal Varma, and I’m currently a fifth-year law student. I am passionate about songwriting, and music has always been a significant part of my life. It began as a way of engaging with real-world issues, as music often reflects the realities of society.
WA: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS MUSIC COMPETITION?
SHEETAL VARMA: My main motivation was to portray society through music and to use my voice to touch and heal hearts.
WA: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE COMPETITION?
SHEETAL VARMA: I came across it while searching for music competitions, and its purpose immediately inspired me to participate.
WA: WHAT SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE DID YOUR SONG ADDRESS?
SHEETAL VARMA: My song addresses slavery—particularly the Triangular Trade—alongside issues such as denial of education, lack of contractual rights, land dispossession, racial segregation, and corruption.
WA: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR HUMAN RIGHTS THEME FOR YOUR SONG?
SHEETAL VARMA: I chose this theme because the history of the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and racial segregation represents one of the most devastating periods of human rights violations. These are not just historical events; their impacts are still felt today. I wanted to use my music to give voice to those experiences and affirm the dignity that was denied.
WA: CAN YOU SHARE THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE LYRICS AND COMPOSITION OF YOUR SONG?
SHEETAL VARMA: The song is inspired by the systemic denial of basic human rights endured by African people over centuries—from the transatlantic slave trade to colonialism and racial segregation. It seeks to acknowledge that painful history while reflecting on its lasting effects.
WA: HOW DOES YOUR MUSIC GENERALLY REFLECT SOCIAL OR HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES?
SHEETAL VARMA: My music highlights how people were stripped of dignity and freedom through slavery and forced labor, as well as the devastating effects of segregation and land dispossession. I believe music can convey emotions and stories that history books sometimes cannot, urging listeners to reflect on justice and equality.
WA: WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE DURING THE CREATION OF YOUR COMPETITION ENTRY?
SHEETAL VARMA: The biggest challenge was handling the emotional weight of the subject. It required sensitivity to honor the experiences of those who suffered, while ensuring authenticity and respect in my expression.
WA: HOW HAS PARTICIPATING IN THIS COMPETITION INFLUENCED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON HUMAN RIGHTS?
SHEETAL VARMA: It reinforced my belief that human rights are universal and inalienable. Understanding how systematically these rights were denied has deepened my commitment to advocating for them.
WA: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS ACROSS AFRICA?
SHEETAL VARMA: Music is a powerful unifying force. It can inspire collective identity, mobilize action, and provide space for healing and resilience.
WA: DID THE COMPETITION OFFER YOU ANY NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION OR NETWORKING?
SHEETAL VARMA: I am currently seeking opportunities to collaborate with individuals and organizations that can help amplify this message to a wider audience.
WA: HOW DID IT FEEL TO HAVE YOUR WORK RECOGNIZED ON SUCH A PLATFORM?
SHEETAL VARMA: This was my first time writing a song and participating in such a competition, so simply being part of it felt like meaningful recognition. It validated my voice and message.
WA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE OF COMPETING WITH ARTISTS FROM OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES?
SHEETAL VARMA: It was deeply impactful. More than a competition, it felt like being part of a community committed to justice and human dignity.
WA: IN YOUR VIEW, HOW CAN COMPETITIONS LIKE THIS HELP ADVANCE THE HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENT?
SHEETAL VARMA: Music evokes empathy. By translating painful histories into song, it encourages understanding, reflection, and action.
WA: WERE THERE ANY ENTRIES FROM OTHER PARTICIPANTS THAT PARTICULARLY INSPIRED OR MOVED YOU?
SHEETAL VARMA: While I haven’t heard specific entries, the collective effort of artists using their voices for human rights is itself inspiring.
WA: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE USING YOUR MUSIC TO ADVOCATE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AFTER THIS COMPETITION?
SHEETAL VARMA: This song is my first step. I hope to continue exploring these themes and raising awareness through music.
WA: WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR SONG WILL HAVE ON LISTENERS?
SHEETAL VARMA: I hope it encourages listeners to reflect on justice and human dignity. If even one person is moved to think more deeply about these issues, that is meaningful.
WA: HOW DO YOU THINK YOUNG AFRICAN MUSICIANS CAN CONTRIBUTE MORE ACTIVELY TO HUMAN RIGHTS CONVERSATIONS?
SHEETAL VARMA: By sharing stories of struggle and resilience, musicians can build empathy and foster a sense of shared humanity.
WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FUTURE ENTRANTS OF THIS COMPETITION?
SHEETAL VARMA: Remember that music transcends barriers. Use it not just to inform, but to inspire empathy, reflection, and action.
WA: CAN YOU SHARE WHAT YOUR NEXT MUSICAL PROJECT WILL FOCUS ON?
SHEETAL VARMA: I hope to continue exploring themes of social justice and human rights while developing my unique voice as a songwriter.
Sheetal Varma, born on February 24, 2003, is a fifth-year BLS-LLB student whose life reflects a dynamic blend of intellect and creativity. Beyond her legal studies, she is a multifaceted artist—an accomplished writer, dancer, and visual artist—driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to connect with the world around her. For Sheetal, painting is more than an artistic exercise; it is a medium through which stories unfold and invite interpretation. She has also dedicated three years to the discipline and grace of Indian classical dance, while embracing teamwork and energy through basketball. However, it is the written word that occupies a particularly powerful place in her life. Inspired by the transformative potential of storytelling, she has pursued writing with purpose and passion. Her poems “Grave Hills” and “Sonder” have appeared in O Moe Poemora and After The Ellipsis respectively. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, she speaks about her journey into music and its role in advocating for human rights.
