West African Musicians Harness the Power of Song to Inform Public About Ebola
An array of popular West African musicians have collaborated to record a new song, “Africa Stop Ebola,” to help spread information about the deadly disease to citizens of afflicted regions. The hope is that the musicians will have the necessary sway to dispel dangerous myths about ebola that are perpetuating the outbreak. Languages represented in the song include French, Malinké, Susu, Kissi, Lingala, and Bambara.
Allan Kozin of the New York Timeshas a great write-up about the song and the artists who came together to record it:
“The song, which was written by Kandia Kora and Sekou Kouyaté, both of whom are among the performers, is based on ideas and lyrics sketched out by Carlos Chirinos, a professor at New York University who specializes in music, radio and social change. It runs about five and a half minutes, and is packed with warnings (not to touch the bodies of the sick or the dead, to avoid shaking hands) and encouragements (trust doctors, wash your hands).”
“Africa Stop Ebola” will hit the airwaves across the continent this week. You can hear the song (it’s quite catchy) via its official music video below:
Read more at the New York Times
Photo credit: Ruslan Absurdov / Shutterstock
