Zim artists release HIV ‘Positivity’ video

The song was written and recorded over two weeks in July by musicians Masa, Nutty O, Vera, Probeatz, Tamy, Mwenje Mathole, D-Blok, Briscky Likho, Maestro LV, Nargee, Ding’o and Alchemy. Its video was directed by Andy Cutta.

“The idea behind the song was to find a palatable way to speak to young people,” Jibilika founder Plot Mhako told Music In Africa. “What we simply did was give themes to each artist and let them be creative in their message. Mwenje Mathole created the hook and everyone fed the flesh.

“It came out of a long conviction that young people tend to listen to their peers and music is more effective in reaching them within their spaces, unlike conventional awareness programmes and lectures.

“Our main goal was to develop a song with artists who best understand the challenges young people face since they come from these affected communities and also are hungrier to deliver. We also noticed that there are too many amazing new voices that have the potential to become stars and they could learn from some of the seasoned artists we brought on board.

"Music is powerful, it can influence young people's behaviour and decision-making patterns, and because we did the song in three languages, it will also connect beyond.”

This is not the first time Jibilika has been involved in such a project. “For six years Jibilika has been running successful HIV awareness campaigns in schools and communities," Mhako said. We won the Best Social Impact Award at the Zim Hip Hop Awards in 2013 and the new song is part of our 2018 campaign.”

Mhako said the creators of ‘Positivity’ wanted an upbeat composition that strayed away from the dark themes employed in similar projects.

“A lot of HIV awareness songs tend to be sorrowful so we decided to come up with something that brings a positive attitude and mindset. It's a song that challenges young people, parents, teachers and authorities to take a more proactive approach if we are to achieve zero new infections, zero HIV-related deaths and zero stigma.

“Thus we're encouraging people to make positive steps in abstinence, use of protection, staying loyal to one partner, getting tested, seeking treatment and embracing those living with HIV. The song also bemoans substance abuse in the wake of rampant consumption by young people in Zimbabwe, which abets the HIV scourge.”

The song was released on 16 November. Asked why they decided to launch the song before the video, Mhako said: “We are doing that for several reasons. The launch of the song marked the beginning of a 15-day community campaign, testing and counselling that we're carrying out around Harare with partners from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

"This campaign will later coincide with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence starting on 25 November. We have also combined the launch with PEPFAR’s 15-year celebrations of saving lives through the fund. PEPFAR is our funding partner since we started the Step Up 2 HIV programme.”