Reclaiming Space: Climate Justice in the Music Industry

Speakers: Lady Shaka (artist), Shishani (artist), Chris Johnson (Shambala Festival)

Moderator: Syed Jazib Ali

The music industry, with its global reach and cultural influence, has a unique role to play in amplifying the call for climate justice. This dialogue will explore pathways to dismantle existing barriers, amplify unheard voices for a more just and resilient world.

About this program

This panel, led by Syed Jazib Ali, a prominent voice for environmental justice and human rights from the politically and ecologically sensitive Himalayan region, will lead the conversation with three panelists:

Lady Shaka, an Afro-Polynesian DJ and trans artist, spearheads a movement to "re-Indigenise" club culture. She reclaims spaces while confronting the erasure of Black and Indigenous voices in music. Shishani, a human rights and climate justice advocate, has used her music to fuel movements of social justice and queer rights, including her song "Clean Country”, which became an anthem against nuclear waste in Namibia. Chris talks about the process of developing a climate justice manifesto from a festival perspective, and offers a sneak preview of key elements of their action plan to be launched in early 2025.

– How can the music industry play a transformative role in advancing climate justice?
– What systemic changes are needed in the music industry to drive awareness and meaningful action on climate justice?
– What actionable steps can artists and organisers take to lead on climate justice, and what is your most critical advice for those just starting this journey?

Who is this program for?

This program is designed for event and festival organizers with a social mission, artists, and cultural professionals. This program is part of ADE Green, please note that you need an ADE Pro or ADE Green ticket to join this program. For the full ADE Green program, please check here.

A collaboration between ADE Green and Creative Climate Leadership

This program is supported by Creative Climate Leadership, an initiative by Julie’s Bicycle that empowers artists and cultural professionals to tackle climate and ecological crises creatively and resiliently.