Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, Dr Rasha Kelej, has created an inspirational song for frontline health workers fighting the Coronavirus battle.
The song, ‘My White Army’ features singers from 11 African countries and is sung in three languages; English, French and Arabic to show support for medical workers around the world.
The singers are A Pass from Uganda, Cwesi from Ghana, Kambua from Kenya, Mahmoud Al Leithy from Egypt, Nikki from Nigeria, Rozzy from Sierra Leone, Salatiel from Cameroon, Sean K from Namibia, Sunita from The Gambia, Tom Close from Rwanda, and Wezi from Zambia.
Director and producer of the song Dr. Kelej explained, “This song is my personal contribution to COVID-19 response.”
In a release, Dr. Kelej said she started her own idea of creating an inspiring pan African song which aims to thank the doctors and nurses who are risking exposure to the virus so everyone else can stay home and stay healthy.
“I am very proud that I have been able to coordinate, direct and produce this gesture of support across 11 African countries through the 11 talented singers in three languages Arabic, English and French.”
They have amazing voices & great diversity; and are from countries from North, South, East and West Africa. It was very difficult specially during the lockdown, but they were all super cooperative and we finally did it together,” Dr Kelej explained.
She said, “I strongly believe, it is important for the people on the front line; doctors, nurses and health workers know how grateful we are … the song is to acknowledge the great sacrifice during these tough times in Africa and across the world under the umbrella of my personal initiative, ‘Separated but Connected’.
On the professional level, Dr Kelej said Merck Foundation has raced to respond to coronavirus in Africa in partnership with 18 First Ladies with focus on main areas.
They include supporting the livelihood of thousands of casual workers and women, launching the “Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards, and the children storybook and building healthcare capacity.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri