A CD of music entitled “We Shall Survive – a Music for Life Project” has been launched by Ethiopian artists in partnership with the United States government, as part of the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. The CD consists of 14 songs, featuring 39 Ethiopian artists, residing in both the United States and Ethiopia.

Funding for the project was provided by President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) - a $15 billion, 5-year programme - 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 launch on 29th June at the Ethiopian Radio Conference Hall in Addis Ababa, were the artists who participated in the production, as well as representatives from the Government of Ethiopia, NGOs and the U.S. Embassy.

The CD was more than eighteen months in the making and saw 21 vocalists take part; Abebe Birhane, Abebe Desalegn, Abegassu Shiota, Abenet Agonafir, Abonesh Adinew, Adanech Woldegebriel, Akuri Degefu, Aster Aweke, Bezawork Asfaw, Birhanu Tezera, Dagmawi Tilahun, Daniel Vessby, Dawit Frew, Dawit Melesse, Elias Melka, Elias Tebabel, Fasil Wuhib, Fikeraddis Nekatebeb, Girum Mezmur, Henok Abebe, Henok Mehari, Johnny Raga, HHHHKassahun Eshetu, Mulatu Astatke, Mulugeta Abate, Nebiy 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.

It is hoped that the lyrics will raise awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and care and avoid the stigmatisation and descrimination of those infected with the disease, by highlighting the fact that AIDS is everyone’s problem.

“The loss of Ethiopian citizens in the most productive years of their lives has a detrimental impact on economic growth, development, and stability of the country,” said Ambassador Brazeal, before going on to praise the launch of the CD - “the first of its kind produced in Ethiopia by Ethiopians on social issues” - which she believes sets an example for other CDs and works of art to follow.

Ethiopia now has the fifth largest population of HIV-infected people in the world.

ENDS