#StayHomeStaySafe: Dharavi’s Rap Anthem Against Coronavirus
The rappers from Dharavi take on the coronavirus, with a song.
Video Editor: Puneet Bhatia
Fear, anxiety, and tensions ran high throughout the lockdown phases in densely populated areas of Mumbai, especially Dharavi. With significant risks of the rapid spread of the coronavirus, young rap musicians who have emerged from the belly of Dharavi, have collaborated to create a unique trilingual rap anthem.
Using music as a powerful means to educate and unite their community, the upbeat anthem, with lyrics in Hindi, Marathi and Tamil, asks the residents to cooperate to curb the spread of the deadly virus by staying home, wearing masks and getting timely tests.
The rappers were supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and ATE Chandra Foundation. Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Suniel Shetty, Dia Mirza, Atul Kulkarni and Rana Daggubati feature in the video to show their support to the artists.
The music video has been directed by Joel D’Souza and written, composed and performed by Mc Altaf, Tony Psyko (Dopeadelicz) and Bonz N Ribz (7 Bantaiz).
Social distancing in areas like Dharavi where the community has shared spaces, such as common taps and washrooms, is a difficult ask. There is also the need to improve understanding about the disease itself to overcome fear and stigma. The anthem seeks to spark a change while appealing to the community to #StaySafeStayHome.
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