)Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – On June 29, The United State Government in partnership with Ethiopian artists, launched a Music CD, entitled “We Shall Survive – a Music for Life Project,” to support the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. Funding was provided by President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Joining U.S. Ambassador Aurelia E. Brazeal at the inauguration were Dr. Tadesse Wuhib, CDC Country Director Mr. Yayeyirad Alamerew, the music CD’s Production Manager, and Mr. Abegassu Kibrework Shiota, Arranger and Keyboardist, together with the artists who participated in the production, representative from the Government of Ethiopia, NGO and the U.S. Embassy.
The CD consists of 14 songs sung by some of the finest Ethiopia artists residing in both the United States and Ethiopia. The CD was over one and a half years in the making. The 39 artists including 21 vocalists who participated in this historic effort were: Abebe Birhane, Abebe Desalegn, Abegassu Shiota, Abenet Agonafir, Abonesh Adinew, Adanech Woldegebries, Akuri Degefu, Aster Aweke, Bezawork Asfaw, Birhanu Tezera, Dagmawi Tilahun, Daniel Vessby, Dawit Frew, Dawit Melesse, Elias Melka, Elias Tebabel, Fasil Wuhib, Fikreaddis Nekatebeb, Girum Mezmur, Henok Abebe, Henok Mehari, Johnny Raga, Kassahun Eshetu, Mulatu Astatke, Mulugeta Abate, Nibiy Mekonen, Neway Debebe, Samson Juffar, Seyoum Mamo, Tadele Roba, Tadesse Alemu, Tadesse Wuhib (Dr.), Teshager Shiferaw, Tewodros Mekonen, Tewodros Tadesse, Tigist Fantahun, Tsedenia Gebremarkos, Yared Tefera, and Yayehyirad Alamerew.
The lyrics, scientifically pre-tested among various focus groups including youth and people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia, encourage the listener:
• to delay ignition of sexual debut; to remain faithful to one partner;
• to use condoms consistently and correctly;
• to give value to one’s life;
• to care for children as they are the future generation;
• to get tested for the sake of self, family, children, and companion;
• to avoid stigmatizing and discriminating against people infected with,
or affected by HIV/AIDS;
• to support people living with HIV/AIDS and their families;
• to live positively if HIV – infected;
• to understand AIDS as everyone’s problem;
• to join and win the battle against AIDS; and
• to honor those heroes fighting the disease.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ambassador Brazeal encouraged Ethiopians everywhere to protect themselves and their families from HIV/AIDS and to spread the multiple messages in the CD’s by sharing it with their families, friends and colleagues.