In the upcoming months, I'll be in collaboration with musician/cinematographer Jon Fine of Freed Pictures, members of Antibalas, Angélique Kidjo, UNICEF, and youth from CIAMO (International Center for Art and Music) in Ouidah, Benin, West Africa.
We'll be putting together a song and video that educates the public about the benefits of using mosquito nets and basic health practices to prevent the spread of malaria via the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. While malaria can be found in tropical areas across the world, according to the World Health Organization, "Sub-Saharan Africa carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2015, the region was home to 89% of malaria cases and 91% of malaria deaths."
We are tracking rhythm and vocals in New York and will be doing additional vocal and percussion recordings in Benin, hopefully in late March of this year. Video production will be happening simultaneously.
Stay tuned.