The Pan-African anthem song and video “Kindness Contagion” will be launched globally on 25 May, Africa Day across online and broadcast platforms as a Call to Action from Africa to #SpreadKindness around the world. This theme was initially inspired by the United Nations Development Programme ’s (UNDP) call to creatives to respond to the pandemic.
Rooted in African values of friendship, generosity, sharing and togetherness, the song aims to encourage and inspire acts of kindness and the notion of paying it forward. It is a Pan-African collaboration of top African artists who are waiving their rights to any proceeds from the song thus making this the project’s first act of kindness. The song will be free to download from various platforms.
The project is the brainchild of the Human Innovation Project and is managed by the SA Creative Industries Incubator. As a partner, UNDP will use the song in their campaign to encourage the spread of kindness; and will contribute images from the UN COVID-19 call to creatives. The UNDP will support publicity and distribution around the project globally, with Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) and Music in Africa Foundation sharing it with their local, regional and global networks.
True to its name, the project has already drawn a growing list of local and African collaborators and partners who are excited to contribute their time to the project. Each artist is recording their music and video content independently from where they are around the continent, o?ering a truly Pan-African message based on our common humanity.
The project boasts some of Africa’s finest artists including: Vusi Mahlasela, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Marcus Wyatt, Tu Nokwe, Pops Mohamed, Vicky Sampson, Madosini, Alvin Hendricks, Randall Skippers, Allou April, Justin Arendse, Biko’s Manna (of South Africa) and, Didier Awadi (Senegal), Seun Kuti (Nigeria), Orezi (Nigeria), Salatiel (Cameroon), Elida Almeida (Cape Verde), Christine Salem (Reunion), Suzziah (Kenya), Gasmilla (Ghana), Gyedu Blay Amoblley (Ghana), Jah Baba (Benin), Maurice Kirya (Uganda), Xixel (Mozambique).
The song was composed by South African music producer RJ Benjamin and arranged and produced by Gabi le Roux and Camillo Lombard with lyrics by Michael Lee and Tu Nokwe.
Connection to artists has been supported by MusicDay2.org. and Molotov Content Creators with one of Africa’s top music video producers contributing to the video production.
All proceeds raised from the song will go to support African artists who have su?ered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will be distributed in South Africa by several entities who are already running a fund for such purposes. Music in Africa Foundation will manage the funds for distribution in the rest of Africa.
The rampant spread of the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe cuts across borders, gender, race and class lines. It has disrupted our everyday lives and forced us to rethink how we live and interact with each other and the planet. Amidst the fear and uncertainty, it has also given us an opportunity to reflect and come together as a global community united in our fight against the pandemic. We call upon all Africans across the continent, and the rest of the world to share the message of hope, support and solidarity and spread kindness across the globe – no matter where you are.
For more information and regular updates visit us at https://kindnesscontagion.africa/
