hief Executive Officer of Merk Foundation, Rasha Kelej has joined hands with singers from 11 African Countries to release a song to show support to medical workers around the world during the Coronavirus battle.
The song which is titled “My White Army” has been produced and directed by Kelej and it has been sang in English, French and Arabic so that the message can reach out to many in the world.
According to Kelej, the Pan African Song aims to thank doctors and nurses fighting on the front lines of the coronavirus battle and risking exposure to the virus so everyone else can stay home and stay healthy.
“This is my personal contribution towards the response to Coronavirus Pandemic.
“I am very proud that I have been able to coordinate, direct and produce this gesture of support across 11 African countries through the 11 talented singers. It was very difficult especially during the lockdown, but they were all super cooperative and we finally did it together,” she said.
Some of the singers are Wezi from Zambia, Mahmoud Al Leithy from Egypt, A Pass from Uganda, Cwesi from Ghana and Kambua from Kenya.
Kelej added that the song is to acknowledge the great sacrifice of doctors, nurses and medical workers during these tough times in Africa and across the world under the umbrella of her personal initiative, ‘Separated but Connected’.
“I strongly believe, it is important for the people on the front line; doctors, nurses and health workers to know how grateful we are. I don’t want this to be a one-off thank you, but one that becomes a regular act of gratitude across our communities.
“I have heard stories of horrible behavior against our health workers, such as, landlords are forcefully evicting them due to paranoia that they might spread COVID -19. It is shocking, illegal and inhuman behavior,” said Kelej.
She added that through this song, singers representing Africa are expressing their love, respect and gratitude for doctors, nurses and health workers, the front lines of Coronavirus battle saying it is their messages of support for those braving the outbreak to help others.
This is the first time in Africa and may be in the world that 11 singers from 11 African countries in three languages have participated in one song, to support the medical staff during this difficult time.
Through Merck Foundation, Kelej has raced to respond to coronavirus in Africa in partnership with 18 First Ladies, some focus areas include; supporting the livelihood of thousands of casual workers and women during the lockdown and launching the “Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards among others.
By Hawa Juma
Reference : https://ihubonline.net/covid-19-african-musicians-praise-health-workers-in-song/