In the Algerian province of Tizi-Ouzou, a wave of solidarity has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to support those on the frontlines of the fight against the virus. Committees, village associations, and artists have joined forces to create masks and protective gear for healthcare employees and to pay tribute to their efforts. Through social media, local artists are using their talents to honor healthcare workers who risk their lives to protect citizens, while also urging the public to respect preventive measures.
Several notable Algerian singers, including Djilali Hamama, Zedek Mouloud, Gaya Bekdache, and Saïd Amini, have composed songs addressing the pandemic and paying tribute to healthcare workers. Their music aims to raise awareness about the importance of adhering to safety protocols and encourages listeners to stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus. Djilali Hamama's song, for instance, urges people to remain at home and be patient, emphasizing that confinement is the only solution to stop the pandemic.
Gaya Bekdache has reinterpreted a song by the late Silmane Azem, adapting its lyrics to address COVID-19. The song highlights the need for confinement and solidarity in overcoming the crisis. It also pays tribute to scientists, healthcare workers, and civil society organizations involved in the fight against the pandemic. Zedek Mouloud has composed two songs so far, one calling for confinement and another serving as a hopeful anthem for life after the pandemic.
Other artists, such as Ferhat Medrouh, Ali Amrane, Akli D, Lounis Ait Menguellet, Rabah Asma, and the group Yesnas, have opted for live performances from their homes. They perform their songs and share unreleased tracks to accompany citizens during their confinement. These artists also express their gratitude to healthcare workers, protection civil services, security forces, and civil society organizations working to combat the pandemic.
The tribute to healthcare workers extends beyond musicians. Personalities from the cultural world, including poet Nouria, comedian Amar Benkaci, director Amar Tribeche, and caricaturists Saïd Guezout, Lynda Chelabi, Aouche Ferhat, Si Hadj Mohand Amina, and Hadibi Nadia, have also joined the campaign. They create content to raise awareness and honor healthcare workers who form the backbone of Algeria's healthcare system.
Visual artists, such as painter Hocine Kerdja, digital artist Ikhou Yanik, and photographer Fillai Fatima, contribute to the campaign by creating and sharing their work. These artists aim to inspire hope and solidarity while acknowledging the dedication of healthcare workers. Their efforts reflect a broader movement in Algerian society to support those on the frontlines of the pandemic.
The outpouring of support from Algerian artists in Tizi-Ouzou demonstrates the significant role that creative communities can play in times of crisis. By leveraging their talents to raise awareness and pay tribute to healthcare workers, these artists contribute to a sense of national unity and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Key points
- Algerian artists create music and content to honor healthcare workers fighting COVID-19.
- Local artists urge the public to respect preventive measures and stay at home.
- The campaign in Tizi-Ouzou showcases the power of art in times of crisis.
