As the number of the novel coronavirus cases continue to rise across the globe, a number of initiatives have so far been put in place in Rwanda to raise awareness against the spread of the outbreak among its population.
With the world up in arms to defeat the virus, each and every one making their contribution, musicians too have been adding their effort to the drive through music. A couple of songs have been released by local artistes to support efforts to defeat COVID-19.
Most of the songs recorded so far spread the messages that encourage Rwandans to observe the instructions of health authorities, particularly washing hands regularly, maintaining social distancing and staying at home during the quarantine period to avoid the spread of the virus.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Rwanda have so far increased to 75 on Tuesday, with the nation still on the lockdown for two weeks to stop the spread of the virus among the people.
The situation remains stable following a number of precautionary measures taken so far while some patients are expected to be discharged for the first time this week.
Below are some of the songs released creating awareness on new coronavirus.
Corona by Oda Paccy ft Alto
About two weeks ago, before the nation went on lockdown, rapper Oda Paccy had already recorded a song about the outbreak to sensitize the masses on how dangerous it is.
It is a collaboration with Alto, a young artiste signed under the rapper’s record label Ladies Empire.
The song highlights the symptoms of coronavirus, different ways it spreads and preventive measures against the virus with an intention to encourage music fans, and Rwandans in general, to join the fight.
The song replays the video of President Paul Kagame showing an example of how best people should wash their hands as one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
Turwanye Coronavirus by Claire Mutimawurugo
Last week, female singer Claire Mutimawurugo and fellow artistes Mani Martin, Jay Polly, Jabastar and Elisha the Gift recorded the song "Turwanye Coronavirus" to encourage people make their responsibility to fight COVI-19, while in their homes. The audio and video of the song were produced by Muhire Visuals.
Koronavirusi Tuyirwanye by Frodouard Twizerimana aka LIMU ft Akiba
The song gives advice on what you need to do to stay safe from the coronavirus, where singer Frodouard Twizerimana aka LIMU urges Rwandans to be rigorously vigilant in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
Released last week, the song's audio and video lyrics were produced by Producer AG at Umoja Records. The song is on the list of songs approved to be used in Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC)’s official awareness campaigns against Coronavirus.
Turwanye Koronavirus by Dieudonne Munyanshoza
Like other artistes who stepped in to use their talents in the fight against coronavirus pandemic, singer Dieudonne Munyanshoza did not want to be left behind.
The singer, who has basically made a name in doing music commemoration songs of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, his latest song ‘Turwanye Koronavirus’ shows what Rwandans need to do to avoid the spread of COVID-19. The song audio was produced by Jimmy Pro.
Other artistes, who have released songs that challenge the public to take coronavirus more seriously, and to promote personal hygiene as the deadly bug spreads on the continent, include DJ Pius in his latest single "Ubuzima Bushira”, and Eric Senderi International Hit in his song "Coronavirus Gezaho”, among others.