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Melissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
AFRO Jazz musician Selmor Mtukudzi is in Johannesburg, South Africa with other African female musicians recording a song and video on women empowerment at the SABC studios.The song which is part of the “Poverty is Sexist” campaign by the ONE Campaign – an advocacy organisation – features Judith Sephuma (South Africa), Victoria Kimani (Kenya), Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania), Arielle T (Gabon) and Waje (Nigeria) among other artistes. Nigerian Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade, popularly known as Sexy Omo, is the star of the video.
ONE campaign said the song was in line with the African Union 2015 declaration calling for world leaders to put women’s empowerment at the heart of the new development goals in order to end extreme poverty.
“The song will be used to promote the ‘Poverty is Sexist’ Campaign across the world. The campaign has a petition which is calling on world leaders to fast-track the fight against inequality and injustice by investing more in women and girls if the world is to end extreme poverty by 2030,” read a statement by ONE campaign.
“ONE believes that we can’t fight the injustice that’s extreme poverty without fighting the immense gender inequality that persists around the world.
“Therefore, through this song, ONE is calling for smart policies and targeted investments in health, education and the economic empowerment of women and girls for them to unleash their human, social, political and economic potential.”
The recording, which started on Monday, is expected to end today with the song and video expected to be launched in Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mozambique and South Africa during the World Economic Forum for Africa and the African Union Heads of State Summit.
Mtukudzi, who is daughter to superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, said: “This is an important year and this is an important campaign. The African Union declared 2015 the year of Women Empowerment so taking action about the role of women in the development agenda is more important than ever before.”
The Nguva Yangu hit-maker added: “My passion is health and it’s tragic that, to this day, we’ve far too many girls and women dying because of lack of access to quality health services”.
She said through her song, she hoped to help reduce maternal mortality and infant mortality from preventable diseases.
ONE, a campaigning and advocacy organisation of more than six million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable diseases particularly in Africa, raises public awareness and presses political leaders to combat HIV/AIDS and preventable diseases.
Online Reporter