COVID-19: Tanzania’s Vitali Maembe tackles mental health in new song

'Wimbo Mbaya 19', which translates to 'a bad song 19', features singers Leah and Grace as well as percussionist Chudo. The song suggests ways for people to cope with social distancing.

Maembe sings that it is quite normal to be stressed, anxious, fearful, sad and lonely in the current situation. However, people should be mindful of their mental health and not just their physical well-being.

Ways to maintain mental health include reading books, listening to music, engaging in physical activity, eating a balanced diet and avoiding substance abuse.

To help distinguish COVID-19 facts from rumours, the musician urges the public to minimise watching, reading or listening to news about COVID-19 on social media and instead seek information only from trusted sources.

On 22 April, Tanzania had registered 284 COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths. Those affected are in 17 regions of mainland Tanzania, with the country's capital Dar es Salaam the worst-hit.