Varun Carvalho, a musician hailing from Goa, India, is making significant strides with his introspective and poetically-charged songwriting. With impactful albums like ‘I Gotta Go Home’ and ‘You Walk Alone’, Varun has firmly established himself as a thoughtful and evocative artist. His music authentically reflects his diverse influences and experiences. Presently, Varun is boldly expanding his creative horizons with an ambitious new project – the establishment of a Youth Centre for musicians in Zimbabwe, where he aims to empower young artists and cultivate global musical connections.
Varun Carvalho ‘s first encounter with Zimbabwe was a serendipitous one. In 2023, he traveled from India to perform at the Miss Planet Zimbabwe pageant. As he took the stage, he was struck by the infectious energy of the crowd. But it was during his interactions with the locals that he discovered a hidden gem – the Zimbabweans’ innate rhythm and spirit.
“I was blown away by the talent and passion of the people I met,” Varun Carvalho recalls. “Music seemed to be an integral part of their lives. I saw a spark that I couldn’t ignore.” This experience ignited a fire within Varun, and he knew he had to return to Zimbabwe to explore this talent further. He began to envision a platform where young Zimbabweans could hone their musical skills, and thus, the idea of the Youth Centre was born.
Varun’s journey to establishing the Youth Centre in Zimbabwe was deeply personal. He drew inspiration from his own struggles as a young musician, when people doubted his abilities. But one person who who gave him hope was Dylan Thomas, whose words of encouragement still resonate with Varun today.
“Do not go gentle into that cold light, rage against the dying light,” Varun Carvalho quoting Thomas’s famous phrase. “These words ignited a fire within me, and I knew I had to create a platform where young talents could shine without facing the same doubts I did.” With the Youth Centre, Varun aims to empower Zimbabwe’s young musicians to reach their full potential.
“The goal is for their talents to shine brighter throughout the world, from Zimbabwe!” he emphasizes. “I want to create a hub where creativity knows no bounds, and the community comes together to celebrate their unique spirit.”
Varun’s experience in Zimbabwe revealed a treasure trove of talent, but he also saw a need for guidance and support. ‘I realized that these young individuals needed a platform to nurture their talents. To keep them on the right path,’ he explained.
And so, the concept of the Community Centre was born. “‘This centre is for everyone,’ Varun emphasized. ‘No discrimination of any kind – color, race, tribe, sex – will be tolerated. We want to create a safe space where creativity can flourish, regardless of background or identity.”
“The Community Centre will be a vibrant hub, welcoming artists from all dimensions of art. Musicians, comedians, poets, writers – everyone is invited to share their talents and connect with like-minded individuals. Varun’s vision is to foster an inclusive community that celebrates diversity and promotes unity through art.
‘We want to empower the youth to express themselves, to tell their stories, and to showcase their talents to the world,’ Varun said. ‘The Community Centre will be a beacon of hope, a symbol of what can be achieved when we come together to support each other.’
The Community Centre is more than just a creative hub. It’s a safe haven for young people to escape the temptations of alcohol and drug abuse that plague the community. Varun recognizes the devastating impact of these vices and wants to provide an alternative.
”An idle mind is indeed the devil’s workshop,” he acknowledges. “By engaging the youth in creative activities and providing a supportive environment, we can help them channel their energy positively.”
But the centre’s impact goes beyond just creative expression. Varun envisions a space where young people can openly discuss their struggles, including mental health issues, without fear of judgment.
“We want to create a culture of openness and trust,’ he explains. ‘A place where youth can share their concerns, receive guidance, and find support from peers and mentors.’
“By addressing the root causes of substance abuse and mental health issues, the Community Centre aims to empower young people to make informed choices and live healthier lives. Varun’s holistic approach recognizes that creativity, community, and conversation are powerful tools in the fight against addiction and stigma.”
Varun’s passion for uncovering Zimbabwe’s hidden talent is evident in his plans for the Rise Nation Community Centre. ‘We will equip the centre with modernized equipment, ensuring that our youth have access to the best tools to express themselves,’ he says. “The centre will boast a state-of-the-art sound system, visual equipment, and recording facilities, providing a professional environment for young artists to hone their skills.
‘We want to showcase Zimbabwe’s talent to the world, and we need the right equipment to do so,’ Varun emphasizes.
“Rise Nation Community Centre’ is more than just a name – it’s a call to action. Varun envisions a community that rises above adversity. This is where creativity and talent are nurtured, and where young people can find their voice.
“We will provide training, mentorship, and opportunities for our youth to perform, record, and showcase their art,’ Varun explains. ‘We want to create a platform where they can share their stories, their music, and their vision with the world.’
“With the Rise Nation Community Centre, Varun will to put Zimbabwe’s hidden talent on the global map. And empower a new generation of creative leaders to rise and shine.”
The youth-led management team, in partnership with Rotaract, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the centre. They will be ensuring that it remains a vibrant and inclusive space for creative expression. Varun is confident that this approach will foster a sense of community ownership and accountability.
“We want the youth to feel that this is their space, their platform to shine,” he says. “By empowering them to take charge, we’re building a sustainable model that will outlast us.”
With the site identification process set to begin soon, the team is eager to move forward and bring the Rise Nation Community Centre to life. The centre’s impact will extend far beyond its walls, inspiring a new wave of creativity and positive change in Bulawayo and beyond.”
“The Rise Nation Community Centre will not only be a hub for local talent but also a destination for foreign artists, providing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and collaboration. By sharing the stage with international performers, local youth will gain invaluable experience, exposure, and inspiration.
“The centre will facilitate these collaborations, empowering our youth to learn from the best. It wi showcase their own talents to a global audience.’
“This reciprocal exchange will also enable local artists to connect with international networks. This will be paving the way for them to perform in other parts of the world. ‘We want to create a pipeline for our youth to access global opportunities,’ Varun emphasizes. ‘The centre will be a launching pad for their international careers.
With the Rise Nation Community Centre, Varun Carvalho ‘s vision of empowering Zimbabwe’s youth through creativity and collaboration is becoming a reality. By providing a world-class platform for artistic expression, education, and international exchange, the centre will unlock the full potential of Bulawayo’s young talent, inspiring a brighter future for generations to come.
