Music has long played an important role in public health messaging, communicating on HIV, stigma, testing and treatment. Fifteen years ago, Kenneth Kaunda, the beloved first President of Zambia featured in Zambian musical icon Rikki Ililonga’s album of songs for HIV awareness for his country in honor of his son, Masuzyo, who passed from AIDS in 1986. When (the then President) Kaunda announced the death to the world, he became one of the first high-profile leaders to publicly acknowledge HIV/AIDS in a continent where it was largely discussed in 'whispers."

Since stepping away from politics, Kenneth Kaunda devoted his life to bringing awareness to HIV. The songs on this album, one facet of this effort, "describe the risk of AIDS, delivering carefully measured warnings to the accompaniment of a string of musical instruments or a lone guitar."

After being considered “lost" for many years, we have managed to track down a single copy of this historic music.

We believe it is important to recapture this music. HIV is still the number one cause of premature death in the Zambia. The songs speak to the long-term implications of the presence of this virus. They will be a part of an effort to educate the current generation of young people. In light of the recent passing of President Kenneth Kaunda, this music is a part of the history and culture of Zambia and Africa’s enduring fight against HIV that we hope to re-share with the public.

Recognizing the importance of preserving this work and keeping HIV conversations relevant, the Kaunda family have agreed to help UkaniManje produce a new album of these re-recorded songs while documenting their historical context. Rereleasing this music and interviewing the Kaunda family about the history of HIV in Zambia will help bring attention to HIV and put HIV in current perspective. The UkaniManje team will use these songs as part of the materials for a public health messaging campaign and in the development of curricular materials for schools and youth groups, both preserving this important part of African history and promoting a healthy future.