– Rasha Kelej Pays Tribute To All Health Workers With MY WHITE ARMY
Philanthropist Rasha Kelej, has directed and produced a song by singers from 11 African countries for the first time together in three languages; English, French and Arabic to show support for medical workers around the world.
In what has now become a global way of showing support and appreciation for medical workers around the world, during the Coronavirus battle, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and one of 100 Most Influential Africans started her own idea of creating an inspiring pan-African song called ‘My White Army’ which aims to thank the doctors and nurses fighting on the front lines of the coronavirus battle.
Rasha Kelej explained, “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 they 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”.
Salatiel, the famous Cameroonian singer who sang with Beyoncé and Pharrell in the latest ‘Lion King’ movie was also part of our song, of course he sang in French, so as Tom Close from Rwanda, both of them represent African French speaking countries.
Mahmoud AL Leithy, a famous singer and actor from Egypt sang his part in Arabic to represent African Arabic speaking countries.The rest of the group who are famous singers in their own countries, sang in English. The lyrics and song was written and produced by Cwesi Oteng from Ghana.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the song, 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. I don’t want this to be a one-off thank you, but one that becomes a regular act of gratitude across our communities. I have heard stories of horrible behavior against our health workers, such as, landlords are forcefully evicting them due to paranoia that they might spread COVID -19. It is shocking, illegal and inhuman behavior”.
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Through this song, singers representing Africa are expressing love, respect and gratitude for doctors, nurses and health workers, the front lines of coronavirus battle. It is their messages of support for those braving the outbreak to help others.
This is the first time in Africa and may be in the world that 11 singers from 11 African countries in three languages have participated in one song, to support the medical staff during this difficult time.
Watch video below
Connect:
Twitter: @RashaKelej @NikkiLaoye @CwesiOteng
Instagram: @Rasha_Kelej @NikkiLaoye @CwesiOtengOfficial
