While the world is still struggling with the effects of Covid-19, during this difficult time, 11 artistes from 11 African countries have come together to show support and appreciation to medical workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus battle around the world, through a song called ‘My White Army.’
The song was released on June 1, and is a project by Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation and one of 100 Most Influential Africans, under the umbrella of her personal initiative, ‘Separated but Connected,’ whose aim was to create an inspirational pan-African song to support doctors and nurses at risk of being exposed to the virus.
The song features performers from English, French and Arabic speaking countries alike. They include A Pass from Uganda, Ghana writer Cwesi, Kambua from Kenya, Egypt’s Mahmoud Al Leithy, Nikki from Nigeria, Sierra Leone’s Rozzy, Cameroon’s Salatiel, Namibia’s Sean K, Gambia’s Sunita, Rwandan ‘s Tom Close, and Zambia’s Wezi.
Rasha Kelej told us about the new song: “I strongly believe it is important for the people on the front line; doctors, nurses and health workers 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 behaviour”.
“This song is my personal contribution to Covid-19 response. But at the professional level, through Merck Foundation, we have raced to respond to coronavirus in Africa in partnership with 18 First Ladies in four main focus areas which include; supporting the livelihood of thousands of casual workers and women during the lockdown,”
“It also includes launching the “Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards, launching an inspiring children storybook ‘Make the Right Choice’ to sensitize children & youth about coronavirus and building healthcare capacity through providing online one-year diploma for African doctors in Respiratory medicines and Acute Medicines,”.
Tom Close, whose real name is Thomas Muyombo, explained that all the artistes were recording the songs in their respective countries, sending raw voice data and making a small video at their convenience, and sending them to the producer and the director who put them together for the final song.
He added as a doctor himself that the song is also a inspiration for him to do even more to save lives for the people.
“I made my contribution in taking part of my time to go to the studio and partner with my fellow artists from across the continent to do a song that will last for a lifetime even after Covid-19,” he said.
