African artists appear to be on the forefront, taking action to combat COVID-19, through donations, awareness-raising songs, animations, illustrations, and appeals to fans.
Here are some of our favorites
Anthill Productions, a multimedia facility and animation studio in Lagos, Nigeria, recently released “a special COVID animation” to help explain the coronavirus to children. Nigerian filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan, best known for “The Wedding Party 2”, said he was inspired to produce the animation after several attempts to explain the lockdown to his 5-year-old son.
The amination is available in French and English
In Kenya, Viku Animation Studios, a workspace that focuses on creating original African content, launched “Kiki na Ella” animation series. In this episode, ‘Kiki na Ella’ share tips for protection from COVID-19
Ugandan rapper-turned-politician Bobi Wine, together with fellow musician Nubian Li, recently released “Corona Virus Alert”, a song to raise awareness and highlight the importance of personal hygiene in the fight against COVID-19.
Beninese singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo revives the late South African music icon, Miriam Makeba’s world-famous classic song ‘Pata Pata’, meaning “Touch Touch” in Xhosa. The song, in collaboration with UNICEF, was re-released with new lyrics to raise awareness around the coronavirus outbreak.
Youssou N’Dour, Senegalese musician and advisor to Senegal president Macky Sall, in a pledge to support the Senegal government with the fight against the pandemic, launched “Operation Daan Coronavirus”. Under the operation, with a team of about 20 Senegalese musicians – rappers and mbalax artists – N’Dour’s old tune was remixed to release “Daan Coronavirus”, a song to raise awareness about coronavirus and raise funds for Senegal’s Ministry of Health.
“He has also put his company Futurs Médias to work for the cause. His private TV channel, Télé Futurs Média (TFM), is broadcasting educational lessons for children unable to attend school via a show called “Salle des profs” (staff room), hosted by one of TFM’s stars, Astou Mbène Thioub”.
Tanzanian artist Yohana Mwenda’s illustrates his idea of “Tuungane kuitokomeza corona”, which translates to “Unite to eradicate corona” in Swahili.