Music for Life Project (We shall survive)

The CD entitled “We Shall Survive” consists of fourteen songs sung and produced by 39 Ethiopian artists residing in the United States and Ethiopia. The production took one and half years and was recorded both in the U.S. and Ethiopia. The lyrics revolving around various thematic areas related to HIV/AIDS were pre-tested among various focus groups including youth and people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. The songs encourage the listener to:

• delay ignition of sexual debut; to remain faithful to one partner;
• use condoms consistently and correctly;
• give value to one’s life;
• care for children as they are the future generation;
• get tested for the sake of self, family, children, and companion;
• avoid stigmatising and discriminating against people infected with, or affected by HIV/AIDS;
• support people living with HIV/AIDS and their families;
• live positively if HIV – infected;
• understand AIDS as everyone’s problem;
• join and win the battle against AIDS; and
• honor those heroes fighting the disease.

The 39 artists including 21 vocalists who participated in the CD’s production 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.

HIV/AIDS.

The objectives of the project are to raise the level of knowledge of the community about HIV/AIDS and its impacts; to reduce the denial, stigma and discrimination around HIV/AIDS; to promote HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support; and to encourage artists to contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.

The songs aim to encourage 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.