PHOTO: Dr. Rasha Kelej and others
A pan African song which pays tribute to doctors and nurses on the COVID-19 frontlines has been produced by the Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation has Dr. Rasha Kelej, in collaboration with singers from 11 African countries.
The song recognizes the priceless contributions of health workers who risk their lives for humankind to stay save in their homes.
The idea to produce the song ‘My White Army’, was birthed by the Merck Foundation boss Kalej, who is ranked among the 100 most influential Africans.
“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 especially during the lockdown, but they were all super cooperative and we finally did it together”, Kalej said.”
Rasha Kelej: “This song is to acknowledge the great sacrifice of our doctors, nurses and medical workers during these tough times in Africa and across the world under the umbrella of my personal initiative, ‘Separated but Connected’. 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”.
Also featured in the classic is Mahmoud AL Leithy, a famous singer and actor from Egypt, who sang his part in Arabic to represent African Arabic speaking countries and other famous English singers from several African countries. The lyrics and music writer was Cwesi from Ghana.
“Although I am not a professional director or producer as you all know, I have a different career as CEO of Merck Foundation, but I have previous experience in production and presenting TV programs in Abu Dhabi TV. I have also produced and directed many documentaries with the aim to break the stigma around infertile women and to empower women and girls in education in Africa and Asia as part of Merck Foundation programs. So, I believe I have the talent and experience needed”, Kalej revealed.
But most importantly, she believes she has vision for an inclusive Africa comprising the North, South, West and East “in one work and one Initiative that goes across the whole continent and the whole world”
Speaking of the new song, Rasha Kelej emphasized, “I strongly believe, it is important for the people on the front line; doctors, nurses and health workers to 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.
She lamented some of the terrible experiences healt woekers were enduring including forceful eviction by landlords on suspicion that they might spread COVID -19.
“It is shocking, illegal and inhuman behavior”, she stressed.
Through ‘My White Army’, she said featured African singers are voicing out depth of love, respect and gratitude for doctors, nurses and health workers battling the outbreak.
“It is their messages of support for those braving the outbreak to help others”.
The coming together of singers from 11 African countries to release an album featuring songs in three languages in support of medical staff in the firing line is indeed unprecedented during the current health emergency.
Dr. Rasha Kelej, the director and producer of the song explained, “This song is my personal contribution to COVID-19 response. But at the professional level, through Merck Foundation, we have raced to respond to coronavirus in Africa in partnership with 18 First Ladies in four main focus areas which include supporting the livelihood of thousands of casual workers and women during the lockdown, launching the “Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards, launching an inspiring children storybook ‘Make the Right Choice’ to sensitize children & youth about Coronavirus and building healthcare capacity through providing online one year diploma for African doctors in Respiratory medicines and Acute Medicines”.