African artists unite on Kindness Contagion

The song was recorded remotely by top African artists such as Didier Awadi (Senegal), Seun Kuti (Nigeria), Salatiel (Cameroon), Elida Almeida (Cape Verde), Christine Salem (Reunion), Suzziah (Kenya), Gyedu Blay Amoblley (Ghana), Jah Baba (Benin), Maurice Kirya (Uganda), Xixel (Mozambique) and South Africans Jonathan Butler, Vusi Mahlasela, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Tu Nokwe, Pops Mohamed, Vicky Sampson, Madosini, Marcus Wyatt and Allou April.

‘Kindness Contagion’ is available online on various streaming platforms as a call to action from Africa. The song is rooted on African values of friendship, generosity, sharing and togetherness (ubuntu).

The campaign is running under the theme, Spread Kindness Africa, which was inspired by the UNDP’s call to creatives to respond to the COVID-19 crisis with positive messaging.

All proceeds raised from the song will go towards supporting African artists who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be managed by the SA Creative Industries Incubator and distributed in South Africa by several entities that are already running relief projects for similar purposes. The distribution of funds to artists across Africa will be managed by the Music In Africa Foundation.

“It is a collaboration of top African artists who are waiving their rights to any proceeds from the song in favour of donations for African artists in need at this time, thus making the song itself the project’s first act of kindness,” HIP said.

“The song will be free to download from various platforms, while donations are requested. We call upon all Africans and the rest of the world to share this message of hope, support and solidarity and spread kindness across the globe no matter where you are.”

‘Kindness Contagion’ was composed by South African artist RJ Benjamin with original lyrics by HIP’s Michael Lee. The song was arranged and produced by Gabi le Roux and Camillo Lombard. Artist procurement was supported by MusicDay2.org and Sheer Music Publishing Africa.

For more information and regular updates regarding this project, visit the Kindness Contagion official website.