Artistes speak out against HIV/Aids

Entertainment Reporter
IN a landmark expression of the need for unity in the HIV response, this past weekend saw big Zimbabwean names in the arts and political circles, as well as the members of the public, come together and speak out about the need to stop HIV and TB.
Celebrities and audiences were invited to write their HIV and TB-related messages and slogans on a large scale poster which was mounted by the Southern African HIV and Aids Information Dissemination Service, SafAids at the entrance to the National Art Merit Awards at 7 Arts Cinema in Avondale, Harare.
Artistes and celebrities have the potential to impact significantly on public opinion, action and beliefs but rarely take the opportunity to address HIV or TB – despite the illnesses having affected all Zimbabweans; in some way or another.
This ground-breaking intervention encouraged artistes, celebrities and other influential people to consider their role in the HIV response by adding their HIV slogan or message to the “You and Me: Toge-ther we have the Power to Stop HIV and TB” poster.
Musicians who included popular Dendera maestro Suluman Chimbetu, dancehall star Winky D currently topping the charts with his hit song “Musarove Big Man”, Willis Wattafi of Afrika Revenge fame, Gospel diva Fungisayi, and jazz big names Victor Kunonga and Dudu Manhenga, took the time to add their voice to the cause.
“Stay Safe,” was the message from gospel sensation Fungisayi while Winky D went with “Bigman says stay away from unprotected sex.” Sulu wrote: “Aids is real and it kills so play it safe.”
Secretary for Education, Sport, Arts, and Culture Dr Stephen Mahere and the Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi also added their messages to the large-scale poster alongside diplomats, academics, donors and media practitioners.
“Stay off sex until after marriage,” said The Tourism Minister in his message while the Permanent Secretary wrote: “Zimba-bwean youths are the future. Protect yourself from HIV.”
SafAids, believing that HIV and Aids information has the power to make a difference, plans to print some of these messages and catch phrases as posters to be used in the commemoration of World Aids Day on December 1.
The show did not end with the poster.
Guests at NAMA 2011 also had the opportunity to watch a dance/drama performance supported by SafAids as part of the main entertainment of the night.
SafAids supported Patsimeredu Edutain-ment Trust to produce and perform a dance/ drama piece, which was presented at the award ceremony.
The act portrayed the dangers that arti-stes’ face in their day-to-day lives, such as coping with adoring “groups” and alcohol abuse.
Such pressures have often led performing artistes to engage in multiple sexual relations – the practice of sleeping with two or more partners at the same time with low or no condom use.
“As an organisation we see the huge potential that artistes and other celebrities have to steer public opinion, action and perception hence our decision to come up with such ideas for NAMA 2011.
“Artistes, by nature of what they do; strive to uphold the Zimbabwean culture while at the same time communicating messages that have the potential to change lives. Through song, drama, dance and sculpture, many have been educated about the real risks that HIV poses and have changed their behaviour,” said SafAids executive director Mrs Lois Chingandu.
She said by working with NAC in Nama 2011, through the dissemination of accurate and relevant information on TB, HIV and Aids, SafAids was also reaching out to artistes, who are themselves at risk.
In the process, SafAids would work towards fulfiling its purpose of promoting behaviour change and the reduction of HIV incidence through a variety of innovative channels.