Nigerian star singer-songwriter, composer and actress Yemi Alade has been appointed as Africa’s ambassador for the novel coronavirius. The multiple award-winning music star is therefore tasked with the responsibility of encouraging Africans to get vaccinated against Covid-19, in a campaign called “It’s Up to Us.” The campaign is further spearheaded by the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and Mastercard.
Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade said in a tweet that she is excited to join the Africa CDC, Mastercard and thousands of Africans to stop the spread of coronavirus “one shot at a time”.
“I’m delighted to be a part of #ItsUptoUs, a movement that encourages Africans to take up the responsibility in making the world safe again. I’m happy to lend my voice to this important issue and moment,” she said. Her ambassadorship was unveiled through the #ItsUpToUs campaign video tagged; ‘Take your shot with Yemi Alade’, which was released earlier this week.
The Johnny crooner has also previously spoken out about the importance of vaccine equality; as well as the safety of COVID-19 vaccinations while also ensuring the dissemination of legitimate information.
To further propel the message to encourage vaccination in Africa; Ms Alade is also set to release a campaign unity anthem on March 9, 2022.
Additionally, a 21-year-old Zambian social media star Mooya Musunga will choreograph the #ItsUpToUs dance challenge.
In 2020, Yemi Alade also was made Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Where she not only promotes women’s empowerment and gender equality but also helps to shine a spotlight on the disproportionate impact; of the health and socio-economic crisis on the poorest and most vulnerable people; who are often women, especially in developing nations in the spread of COVID-19.
