COVID-19: Collabo song salutes health workers in Africa

The song features 11 singers from 11 African countries and is sung in English, French and Arabic. The featured artists are A Pass (Uganda), Cwesi Oteng (Ghana), Kambua (Kenya), Mahmoud Al Leithy (Egypt), Nikki Laoye (Nigeria), Rozzy (Sierra Leone), Salatiel (Cameroon), Sean K (Namibia), Sunita Daffeh (the Gambia), Tom Close (Rwanda) and Wezi (Zambia).

"I have directed and produced for the first time a song by singers from 11 African countries in three languages to show our support for medical workers around the world," Merck Foundation CEO Dr Rasha Kelej said. "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 these talented singers. They have amazing voices and great diversity, and are from countries from north, south, east and west Africa. It was very difficult, especially during the lockdown, but they were all very cooperative and we finally did it together.”

Kelej said the Merck Foundation had also partnered with 18 first ladies in Africa to support the livelihoods of thousands of casual workers and women during the lockdown. The partnership has also launched the Stay at Home media recognition awards, a children's book titled Make the Right Choice that aims to sensitise young people about COVID-19, and a healthcare capacity building programme, which provides a one-year online diploma for African doctors to specialise in respiratory health care.

Watch ‘My White Army’ below: