Suchetha Satish strikes a record with 140 languages at a COP28-inspired concert.
By Raji Unnikrishnan
In a world where the harmonious convergence of diverse cultures and languages is celebrated, one young talent has risen to embody this spirit through the universal language of music. Guinness World Record Holder Suchetha Satish’s remarkable feat of singing in 140 languages has not only captured global attention but also underscored the unifying force of music in advocating for environmental causes.
According to Guinness World Records, the 18-year-old performed in 140 languages to raise awareness about climate change at the Indian Consulate Auditorium in Dubai. The number 140 was chosen to represent the 140 nations that attended the COP 28 summit in Dubai. She sang continuously for nine hours, each song lasting a minimum of three minutes without referring to the lyrics. COP28, or the 28th Conference of the Parties, a significant global event where countries came together to discuss and address climate change issues, was held in Dubai Expo City from November 30 to December 12.
In an exclusive interview with Bahrain This Week, Suchetha shared her extraordinary journey and passion for music. She emphasized that her goal is to promote “music beyond boundaries,” aligning perfectly with the message of COP28, which calls for collective action to combat climate change.
“Music beyond boundaries is my motto, and that was well aligned with the COP28 message, which called for joint action by all to mitigate the effects of climate change,” she said.
“I know songs in around 150 languages, but I decided on 140 to match with the 140 countries that met at COP28.”
Suchetha’s interest in learning foreign languages was sparked by a visit from a Japanese friend in 2014. This ignited her passion for languages, leading her to learn and sing songs in numerous languages, including extinct and endangered ones.
“On hearing me sing, they commended my language, which was a big encouragement, and I started learning other languages. I learned an Arabic song and then a Tagalog song, and thus went on to 120 songs, which was my first Guinness record. After that, I learned many languages, including Indian, tribal, and African languages. There are many languages that are extinct or at threat; I have included some of those in my list of songs. I don’t know how to converse in all these languages; I have learned popular songs in each language, which was a requirement of the Guinness Book of World Records. She also acknowledged the challenges she faced, particularly with languages like German, where mastering the right accent was a significant hurdle.
“Some languages were tough, and learning the right accent was challenging—like German. But with practice over the years, I could manage.”
Suchetha, born to dermatologist Dr T C Satish and homemaker Sumitha, hails from Kannur, Kerala, India. She moved to Dubai at a very young age and is currently pursuing her education there. She began her musical journey at the age of three and started learning Carnatic music at the age of 4. Her dedication to music led her to explore Hindustani music and learn from various gurus. She has an older brother, Sushant, a medic.
Suchetha’s message to the youth is one of inspiration and hope. She believes that music can be a positive and unifying force, especially in the face of destructive choices. She aspires to perform on international stages and continue her advocacy for causes like climate action.
“My message is that there is much that can be done collectively, especially for the youth. I would say you could get a high on something like music; why not go for such choices instead of the destructive ones? I like to perform at concerts, and I enjoy it. I hope to perform on international stages, and yes, I would work to improve my record and of course, take up causes like the Climate Action Call.”
Suchetha Satish’s exceptional achievement not only highlights her musical prowess but also serves as a testament to the unifying power of music in advocating for environmental causes. Her dedication and passion for music and environmental advocacy are truly inspiring, and she continues to be a role model for aspiring musicians and advocates worldwide.