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Former Bahrain-based singer and actress Miraya Varma will be releasing an emotional power ballad worldwide on Sunday to mark World Mental Health Day.
Her first English mainstream track, entitled No One Wants Me, talks about the struggles of mental health, touching on her dark days dealing with depression, as well as letting listeners know that everything is going to be OK.
“Mental health is something of a taboo still in so many countries,” said Miraya, who has Indian roots and has been writing music since she was 11. “Some people don’t have any knowledge it even exists and if they know it does, they feel shameful speaking about it. No one should ever feel that way.
“We’ve lost so many talented people to mental health, including legendary stars such as Robin Williams and Chester Bennington who took their own lives because of depression. It’s really sad but it’s real. We need to raise more awareness about mental health issues.”
According to the World Health Organisation, depression is one of the leading causes of disability and suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds. Despite progress in some countries, people with mental health conditions often experience severe human rights violations, discrimination and stigma.
The former May Queen who travels between Bahrain, India, the UK, Canada and the UAE for her music career, had struggled with depression herself for more than 10 years. She thought it was time to shine a light on it as well as reach out and connect to those that are suffering themselves through her song.
“I have been battling depression on-and-off since I was in school,” said the Toronto-based songwriter and model. “And, this song came from an extremely dark place.
“I was going through a lot when I wrote this and I felt like I needed to reach out to other people. I’ve previously released around 11 club tracks and all my songs have been about having fun.
“My music has more than 250 million views and streams and I’m so grateful for that, but music shouldn’t just be about fun and parties. It should also be about real stuff that matters.
“Music is the only way I know how to express myself and I really wanted to connect with everyone out there who’s ever felt what I did when I was going through that dark time. I want them to know that it’s going to be OK and that no matter what, I understand and they’re not alone.
“I want them to know that they can survive this and to never give up.”
The song was recorded in Toronto by Global Music Entertainment with Macedonian-Canadian music producer Jovan Jovanov and the music was produced by Samdarsh Sondh from the US.
Her track also falls in line with the World Mental Health day theme which is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’, as set by the World Federation for Mental Health.
“This song is relatable, from a child being bullied at the playground to simply feeling unwanted,” she added. “This song is for everyone who’s ever felt that way, especially with the pandemic going on.
“I know from experience, many of us have felt it now more than ever. We all have had a hard couple of years, some more than others, especially those who’ve lost loved ones to Covid-19.”
It’s also been a difficult time for Miraya as she has not been back to Bahrain for the past two years to visit her family who still live in Juffair.
During her days in Bahrain, she trained in classical Bharatnatyam as well as Khathak, and since then, has been performing singing and dancing at numerous stage shows, private functions in India and across the Middle East singing in more than six languages.
She hopes her fans in Bahrain and across the globe will be moved by her ballad and she reminds people to never forget where they came from, to be true to themselves and to never give up.
• For details, visit @miraya_official on Instagram.
